When is open enrollment?
What is open enrollment?
For many people, it’s open enrollment season — but what does that actually mean? Open enrollment is important because it’s typically the only time of year when you can sign up for or make changes to a health, dental, or vision plan provided by your employer. You can also make changes during the year if you have a qualifying life event, like changing jobs, getting married, or having a baby.
Open enrollment for employer-provided benefits frequently occurs in the fall, but the specific dates will vary. A few things to keep in mind when shopping for individual or family health, dental, and vision benefit plans on your own:
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Enrollment dates for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans can vary, with most states opening from November 1 to January 15.
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Medicare’s open enrollment typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
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You can purchase an individual or family plan from independent benefit providers (like Delta Dental) at any time.
What happens during open enrollment?
During open enrollment, you can:
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Sign up for new benefits.
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Change coverage for your existing benefits.
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Start, stop, or adjust how much you contribute to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
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Keep or change your current health, dental, and vision insurance plan.
Tips for choosing your dental or vision benefits
It’s important to pick the right dental and vision plans because having these benefits will help keep you and your family healthy. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
Assess your current needs. The right plan for you will be based on your current age, health, and family situation.
Compare available plans. Review differences in what each plan covers.
Review your budget. Consider how much you will pay in premiums, your deductible, how the plan handles co-payments, and the annual maximum.
Check the network size. Will your current dentist or optometrist still be covered? Will you have affordable access to care on vacation or while traveling for work?
Make sure you have coverage for routine, preventive visits. Early detection is important for maintaining your oral and overall health, which is why most Delta Dental plans cover them 100%.
Don’t miss out on open enrollment
Whether you choose a benefits plan through your employer or purchase your own, open enrollment season is a perfect opportunity to take stock of your current health, dental, and vision benefits. Weigh your options and make sure you and your family have the coverage you need!
Learn more about the dental and vision coverage Delta Dental offers at deltadental.com.
