What Should You Tell Employees During Annual Enrollment

Employees typically spend very little time choosing their health benefits each year. So as you prepare your annual enrollment materials, consider including the following tips to help your employees make the best possible decisions.

  • Participate in the enrollment process. Encourage employees to understand what’s changing, the choices they need to make and the tools available to help them make their decisions.
  • Review coverage that their employer offers before making a decision about purchasing health insurance through a state marketplace. Remind them that their employer pays a portion of their cost of coverage and allows them to pay for coverage on a pre-tax basis.
  • Reassess their and their dependents’ health care needs. Tell them to take a fresh look at their health care needs. How much do they use their health care? Are they paying for a level of coverage they don’t need?
  • Evaluate whether a consumer-directed health plan is right for them. Explain that the higher deductible may be offset by an employer contribution to an HSA or HRA, if applicable.
  • Take advantage of wellness program opportunities. Promote the use of free programs like biometric screenings so employees can determine their level of health. If you offer a financial incentive to participate, point it out.
  • Understand supplemental benefits and their costs. Ask employees to look holistically at their health and financial well-being, including life and disability insurance and retirement planning. It may be time to make some changes.

Of course, you will want to provide specific details and direction to your employees on each of these points, depending on your company’s plan design and programs.

Happy writing!

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