Let’s face it; the annual open enrollment process for selecting benefits is a tedious and often laborious one, not only for the HR team but for employees as well. Making benefit decisions is important and the selections made affect employees and families in a personal and financial way throughout the year.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect all aspects of our work and personal lives, employees may need to reevaluate their benefits to make sure they have enough coverage. We can expect to see a greater focus on virtual care and new mental health services.
As employers across the country make their way through enrollment season, there are a few lessons learned that are worth sharing to make the process as seamless as possible.
Make It ‘Active’
Instead of simply allowing employees to passively enroll in the same benefit plan they currently have, consider making the enrollment an “active” process. This means making each employee actively select the plan they want. This allows you to educate employees on the benefits you are offering, even if no changes are being made.
Show Examples
One of the best ways to explain the benefit plans to employees is by illustrating different scenarios that may play out. Specifically demonstrating how the benefit plan works if someone goes to the doctor, needs a prescription filled, or has a more catastrophic issue can be more informative for employees than simply looking at numbers on a page.
Insurance 101
Employers often take for granted that their employees understand the insurance lingo that is so commonly used. Take the time to explain what deductible, copay, and coinsurance mean. It may sound simple, but many employees are unaware of even the most basic terminology.
Communication is Key
This is the one time a year where communicating to your employees on their benefits package can’t be overdone. Employers who engage, over-communicate, and actively seek out questions from their employees face far fewer concerns throughout the year.
Start Early
Starting the communication process as early as possible gives both the HR team and employees and their families enough time to make educated decisions. No one likes to feel rushed and year-long benefit decisions shouldn’t be made in a hurry.
Get Help
Capital Benefit Services has a team of professionals dedicated to making the open enrollment process as smooth as possible. We are available for phone calls, questions, virtual meetings, and strategy sessions to address any concerns you or your employees may have. Please call our office at 425-641-8093 to learn more.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before beginning or ending medical treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition.