Your Open Enrollment To-Do List

Open Enrollment is winding down, and if you haven’t reviewed your benefits yet, now’s the time. This short window comes only once a year, and the choices you make now will shape your health coverage and financial protection for the year ahead. Taking a few minutes to double-check your options could save you money and help you feel more prepared for whatever life brings next.

Start With What You Have

Before making any changes, take a good look at your current benefits. Ask yourself:

• Did my plan meet my needs this year?

• Were there any surprise costs or coverage gaps?

• Am I still visiting the same doctors or taking the same prescriptions?

If your medical needs have changed, or if you anticipate new expenses such as a surgery, a baby, or ongoing treatments, now’s the time to adjust your plan accordingly. Even if everything feels the same, confirm that your dependents and beneficiaries are up to date. Little details like that are easy to overlook but important to keep current.

Compare Your Options Thoughtfully

Employers often offer several plan types, such as PPOs, high-deductible plans, or HMO options. It’s worth taking a few minutes to compare the differences in cost, network coverage, and flexibility. For instance, a high-deductible plan paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) might save you money if you rarely visit the doctor, while a PPO could make sense if you prefer a wider network and lower upfront costs at appointments.

Your HR or benefits team can provide comparison tools or summary sheets that make this process much easier.

Don’t Overlook HSAs and FSAs

If your plan includes a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), review your contribution levels. These accounts let you set aside money before taxes to pay for eligible healthcare expenses such as copays, prescriptions, dental visits, or even eyeglasses.

• HSA: The balance rolls over each year, and you keep the account even if you change jobs.

• FSA: The balance typically expires at year-end, though some employers allow a small rollover or grace period.

If you still have FSA dollars remaining, schedule appointments or stock up on approved items before December 31 so that money doesn’t go to waste.

Check for Voluntary Benefits

Open Enrollment is also your chance to explore extra coverage options beyond the basics. Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, disability insurance, accident coverage, and critical illness plans can fill important financial gaps. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, they often cost less than you might expect and can provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.

Pay Attention to Deadlines

Every employer sets their own Open Enrollment dates, so double-check when your window closes. Submitting your elections early ensures you have time to fix any errors and confirm everything is processed correctly. Once Open Enrollment ends, you typically can’t make changes until the next year unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage.

Get Help Before Time Runs Out

If you’re unsure about which plan makes the most sense for your situation, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your HR or benefits representative can walk you through your options, explain key differences, and make sure you’re getting the most value from your employer-sponsored benefits.

A few minutes of preparation now can make the rest of the year easier and more affordable. Review your benefits, confirm your information, and make any final updates before the deadline arrives.