In light of COVID-19, employees are becoming increasingly conscious of the costs and need for suitable healthcare coverage. In an effort to meet this rise in knowledgeable consumerism, employers should prepare for an increased level of engagement in the organization’s annual employee benefits Open Enrollment. We recommend thoroughly reviewing all benefit options and ensuring educational resources are available to equip employees with confidence in making their upcoming benefit elections.
Consider the following tips when preparing your employee benefits program for this year’s renewal and Open Enrollment:
- Reassess your employees’ healthcare needs — Make sure to evaluate whether or not your employee population has experienced any changes in the past year (i.e. the addition of dependents, serious or chronic health condition diagnoses, increases or decreases in use of benefit offerings). Analyze the reason behind those changes, assess how they could impact healthcare needs in the upcoming year and adjust accordingly.
- Take time to review benefits offerings thoroughly — As plans and costs can change from year to year, ensure you thoroughly review benefit offerings and ensure they meet employee needs. Refresh Open Enrollment resources and materials to include up-to-date information and to address commonly asked questions among employees.
- Reevaluate medical coverage offerings — There is no one-size-fits-all plan that will meet the needs of every individual and that of their family members. As you consider medical plans, evaluate costs such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, and prescription coverage and how they will impact enrollees.
- Check the plan’s network and preferred healthcare providers — Look to see that your network is still serving your employee population and members are able to easily access healthcare. Should there be a change in participating providers or network coverage, be sure to make your employees aware and provide step by step instructions on how to locate new in-network doctors and specialists.
- Review voluntary insurance options — Consider voluntary benefits — options that you may have previously overlooked. Life insurance, disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and more can expand your benefits program during this challenging time.
- Be aware of all available resources — Keep an eye out for any additional resources or offerings your carrier partners may be providing in light of the pandemic and communicate enhancements to your employees. We’ve seen carriers expand mental health resources, improve employee assistance programs (EAPs), upgrade coverage of telemedicine services, and more.
- Consider an HSA or FSA — These accounts allow employees to set aside pre-tax funds to be used for healthcare expenses. Ultimately, granting employees the ability to maximize payroll dollars and save in the long run.
When employees are kept informed and engaged in their employee benefits program, they are empowered to make thoughtful decisions that protect their health and financial well-being. Educating employees about the value of their benefits can improve employer perception, which can have a positive impact on recruitment and retention.
Interested in enhancing your organization’s Open Enrollment experience and employee benefits program? Partner with the Creative Benefits, Inc. Team! Contact us at 866-306-0200 or solutions@creativebenefitsinc.com to learn more and get started.