Open enrollment is the time when employees choose their benefits for the year. But guess what? A lot of people make mistakes and feel bad about their choices later! In fact, more than half of employees wish they had picked different benefits. Sometimes it's because they didn’t have enough information, forgot something important, or didn’t think about how their life has changed. But don't worry! You can avoid these mistakes if you know what to look out for. Here are three common mistakes people make during open enrollment and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Update for Lifestyle Changes
Many people pick the same benefits year after year without thinking about how their life has changed. Maybe your health needs are different now, or your family situation has changed. If you don’t update your benefits, you might end up with coverage that doesn’t fit your life anymore.
What to do instead: Before choosing your benefits, think about how your life has changed. Do you need more health coverage or a different type of insurance? Maybe you didn’t need much dental care last year, but this year you do. Make sure to pick benefits that match your current needs.
Mistake #2: Not Learning About Your Options
Sometimes, people don’t fully understand all their benefit choices and end up picking the wrong ones. This often happens because they don’t take the time to learn about the new options their employer offers.
What to do instead: Take advantage of the information your employer provides. Learn about any changes in the plans or new options like telemedicine or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the details you need to make the best decision. The more you know, the better choices you’ll make.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Details
Some people rush through open enrollment without thinking much about it. Later, they regret their decisions because they didn’t take the time to choose carefully.
What to do instead: Take your time when making your benefit choices. It might seem easier to scroll through social media, but setting aside time to focus on open enrollment is really important. These decisions affect your health and money for the whole year. Give yourself enough time to review your options and pick what’s best for you.
Make Smart Choices During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is important for both employees and employers. If you avoid these common mistakes, you can make better choices and feel good about your benefits all year long. Take your time, learn about your options, and think about your changing needs. This way, you can be sure to get the coverage that’s right for you, without any regrets!
Final Thoughts:
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make smarter choices during open enrollment and ensure you have the coverage that fits your needs for the year. If you found this advice helpful, explore more articles about healthcare and benefits to guide you through your journey. All my posts are here to support you in making informed decisions. And if you're an independent patient advocate looking for ongoing tips and support, join me in The Circle, where we meet LIVE on Zoom every week to share insights and grow together!