As fall quickly approaches, millions of Americans face one of the most important decisions for themselves and their families. The annual ritual called open enrollment is often the only time each year businesses allow their work force to make changes to their health benefits plans.
Smart Business spoke to Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., president and CEO of MemorialCare Health System and the past chair of the California Hospital Association, to learn how employers and employees can make smarter choices about their health.
Why do employers and employees give so little attention to open enrollment?
Open enrollment is like putting together a complex puzzle. The more you try to make sense of the insurance options offered, the more you end up confused in the process, resulting in an average of just 16 minutes spent choosing a health plan. But without careful selection, people may lack the choices needed later on.
Why is open enrollment so important?
During this period — typically about 30 days — employees select benefits for themselves and their families. Choices determine cost, access and quality of your health care for the following year. Whether it is adding dependents, enrolling in a different plan, selecting a new primary care physician, increasing or decreasing out-of-pocket expenses or other options, consumers should understand all their options before making decisions.
What many may not realized is that by selecting a doctor, you are determining the entire course of your health care — including the hospital you’ll go to for care.
What’s the best approach?
Shop for health care benefits like you would any major purchase. A wrong decision can be costly in terms of health and financial results. Instead of signing up for the same plan, examine benefit options for your current needs. Watch for hidden costs and surcharges and determine if there are incentives for healthy behavior.
With HMOs, the doctor (or network) selection determines specialists one can see. Therefore, it’s important to have a big-picture perspective before signing on with a health plan. Are you satisfied with your medical, dental, vision and drug plans? Are you comfortable with your current primary care physician acting as your gatekeeper or do you desire increased flexibility? Review these and other issues before making a change.
