Twelve tips to help employees complete benefits open enrollment 

Every year, I compile a brief guide to the upcoming open enrollment. While it’s addressed to the people who are sitting down to make their benefit selections, benefit professionals might find it helpful, too — it could also trigger some ideas for your own open enrollment communications.

1. Take more than five minutes to look at your open enrollment materials and see what is new for 2026. This is the perfect time to re-assess the whole package of benefits your employer offers to be sure you are taking advantage of all your benefits — and not just medical. Think about income needed in the event of disability, life insurance needs, retirement and long-term care plans. Are you dealing with student loans? It’s become a hot topic, and some employers have added new programs to help refinance and/or supplement repayment. 

2. Really do the math. Quite often, the lowest-cost medical plan is the most financially beneficial plan to sign up for. Believe it or not, many people buy more health insurance than they need. Don’t just look at the deductibles in each plan. It is important to calculate the annual amount that will be withheld from your paycheck for each option — with a credit for any money your employer will put in a Health Savings Account just for enrolling. Of course, if it’s likely that you will have significant medical expenses in the upcoming year — in excess of the deductible — you will need to factor that into your decision.

3. If your employer is offering a new type of medical plan, give it a look. Employers are adding medical plans with more limited provider networks that are typically available at a lower cost. In some cases, there may be no coverage outside the network. If your doctor is in the network, that might not be a concern for you, but in any case, keep in mind that steering members to higher-quality care is often the focus of these plans. Another new type of plan gaining traction is the variable copay plan, in which the amount of your copay depends on the provider you choose, giving you more control over your healthcare spending. You can compare a number of providers for a specific service and the associated co-pays in advance through an easy-to-use app. If you are flexible on where you go for care, consider this option. Don’t let lower copays fool you — they are often intended as an incentive to guide you to the higher quality doctors.

4. Check to see if there have been any changes to the prescription drug formulary list for drugs that you take every day for chronic conditions. Changes to the formulary could impact your out-of-pocket cost. Sometimes all the medical options have the same formulary, but not always, a change in the formulary might be a reason to consider changing medical plans.

5. Contribute to your HSA. If you decide to sign up for a lower-cost HSA-eligible plan, consider taking what you will save in paycheck deductions and putting that money to your HSA. Then, if you need care, you will have money saved to cover your out-of-pocket expenses. Also, this is your only opportunity for triple tax advantaged savings. If you save $50,000 to help pay for retiree medical coverage and withdraw $5,000/year once you turn age 65, the $50k in the HSA will last six years longer than the same $50k in your 401k because of the tax-free withdrawals. Note that the HSA withdrawals can only be for health care expenses.

6. Take advantage of incentives. Some employers provide a financial incentive to complete a health assessment and/or participate in biometric screening. Participating could result in lower paycheck deductions or money in your HSA.

7. Check out dental and vision plan options to be sure you are in the right plan for you/your family. Especially if one of your kids is in need of orthodontia.

8. Review supplemental health coverage options. An example of a supplemental plan is a hospital indemnity plan or accident plan that would pay a cash benefit if you are hospitalized or have an accident. Each plan will have a list of what qualifies for the benefit and how much the payment will be. You can use the cash to cover your deductible and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. Supplemental coverage is inexpensive and provides peace of mind.

9. Sign up for telemedicine. Most health plans include a telemedicine benefit. Do yourself a favor and sign up for it. It is as easy as going on the website and setting up your account. You can use telemedicine for acute medical issues like colds, flu, bronchitis, sinus infection, upper respiratory infections and pink eye, and for many dermatology issues such as skin infection, acne, skin rash, abrasions, moles/warts and more. Many programs offer counseling services as well. Telemedicine is typically the least expensive way to access care, with the cost of a visit ranging from $10 to $40. Some plans may provide the first visit or two at no cost. Once your account is set up, it is easy to schedule an appointment at your convenience via phone or video conference.

10. Take advantage of free or low-cost therapy. Many employers are enhancing their behavioral health support through Employee Assistance Programs, also commonly called EAPs. These services are available for the entire family. As you review your open enrollment materials check for updates and enhancements to this important benefit — and if you haven’t used it before, this might be the year to check it out.

11. If you have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, check to see if there is a program offered through the medical plan to help you. Most medical plans have dedicated resources to help people manage their chronic conditions. If you are struggling to get your condition under control, give it a chance. The coaches have experience helping people just like you.

12. If you, or a family member, get a scary diagnosis. Reach out for help. Your medical plan will assign a case manager to help you, and your family, navigate the health system. Some employers may have special programs to help you — centers of excellence programs for certain conditions or procedures such as orthopedics, cardiology, oncology and infertility. An expert medical opinion program may also be available to help review and confirm your diagnosis along with advice on the best treatment approach. 

Remember that you don’t have to navigate healthcare alone. Many employers offer advocacy and navigation support tools. Check to see if your employer provides these resources. They can assist you with finding care, navigating explanations of benefits and so much more.

Companies invest a lot in providing benefits to meet a wide range of needs. Take the time during open enrollment to understand your options to inform the best decisions for you and your family. It will be time well spent.