Open enrollment: It’s the term buzzing around your HR department this time of year. But what does it mean? And how does it affect you as an employee? We break down all the questions you should be asking.
Open enrollment provides the opportunity to change dental and vision benefits for the upcoming year (or new benefits, if you’re enrolling for the first time). Now is the time to consider your current coverage. Has your financial situation, personal needs, or dependents’ situation changed? To prepare, here are 5 questions you need to ask yourself this open enrollment period:
1. What’s included in my current coverage?
Re-visit your current coverage. Your plan should cover the appropriate number of times you see your dentist or optometrist in a year. For preventive dental care, this is typically once every six months. For preventive eye care, this is typically once every year. If your current plan didn’t work for your budget the previous year, keep that in mind when choosing a new plan. You’ll also want to research employer-sponsored benefits or allocations.
2. What kind of coverage will I need for the upcoming year?
A lot can change in a year, and you’ll need to consider what the future may hold. Dental treatments such as braces and wisdom teeth removal may require special coverage. Talk to your dentist to figure out what you need to prepare for.
Consider coverage specifics if you have a health condition that requires more dental or vision attention.
3. Will my current plan change?
This is a key detail to get from your employer and/or benefit provider. Your current plan may not be offered in the upcoming year. Ensure that there are no coverage surprises come January 1, July 1 or the date when your employer’s benefits coverage begins.
4. What other options is my employer providing?
Make sure to get all of the details from your employer about what coverage they offer. If they offer multiple options, assess each plan to determine if, and how, they’ll better meet your needs.
5. Will my provider still be in-network if my plan changes?
If you have a regular dentist or optometrist you like, check if they’ll still be in-network. Remember — It’s usually more cost-effective to see an in-network provider. If they’re not, determine if you’re open to finding a new provider.
Still have questions about open enrollment? Don’t hesitate to speak with your employer or HR department. You can also ask your question(s) below.
Now that you are covered, learn about your benefits:
Editors Note: This post was originally published September 2018. The content was revised and updated November 2024.
