Risk & Business Magazine General Insurance Services - Fall 2020 | Page 26

OPEN ENROLLMENT
’Tis The Season For
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a period
of time each year when
employers permit current
employees to make election
changes to their benefit
plan(s) without a qualifying event.
During open enrollment, employees
may decide to change plans, add or drop
a dependent, or enroll in an optional
benefit, such as a dental or vision
coverage. Employers can assist employees
during open enrollment by distributing
materials that explain new health options
and changes to existing benefits.
To help employees select the plan option
that best meets their needs, employers
should provide information about the
following:
• A general summary of what benefits
are covered by the plan
• Limits on coverage, as well as limits
on coverage for certain conditions
• Coverage for preventive services,
procedures, and medications
• Prescription drug coverage details
• Cost-sharing (e.g., premium
contribution, deductible, copayment,
or coinsurance requirements)
• Consumer-directed and highdeductible
health plans or other
nontraditional plan types
OPEN ENROLLMENT EDUCATION
STRATEGIES
The following are ways for employers
to improve their open enrollment
communication strategies:
• Communicate frequently with
employees regarding their health
coverage options but avoid
overwhelming employees with
information.
• Be honest and direct when discussing
health benefits, especially if
employees are facing cost increases
for their coverage.
• Discuss the “Five Cs” of enrollment
with employees: cost, coverage
information, changes to plans,
comparisons to last year’s plans, and
current options.
• Provide information to employees
about the health care providers or
networks that will be available to
them in new or revised plan options.
• Use a variety of communication
methods, such as the internet, printed
materials, and face-to-face discussions.
• Some groups of employees may need
additional assistance, particularly
those with mental or physical
disabilities, low or fixed incomes,
parents of children with special needs,
and non-English speakers. Without
special assistance, these groups may
miss open enrollment periods or have
large gaps in their coverage.
Group health plan sponsors should be
aware of the legal changes affecting the
design and administration of their plans
for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1,
2021.
I’ve created a 2021 Open Enrollment
Checklist that I’m happy to share with your
organization. Feel free to give me a call at
219-850-1102 or email me at candace@
genins.com. Together, we can do better. +
BY: CANDACE ARVIN,
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ADVISOR
GENERAL INSURANCE SERVICES
Candace Arvin was born and raised in Chesterton, Indiana. After graduating college with a degree in Business
Administration, she spent five years working in the healthcare industry where she gained a multitude of
experience serving populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric. She has been a member of the Chesterton-
Porter Rotarian Club for many years and also serves on the Hobart Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Candace still resides in Chesterton with her wife, Gabrielle, and their four children. In her free time, she enjoys
visits to the beach, kayaking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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