Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Open Season is Here



Yesterday marks the beginning of open season, the time when federal employees can enroll in various healthcare programs. It’s a benefit to all career Postal Employees, and it’s not one to be overlooked.

Healthcare plans change from year to year, including coverage and the costs associated with them. Many people keep the same plan they’ve had for years because of a high satisfaction level or even lack of use of the benefits. Without specific instructions to change or stop enrollment in a plan, an individual is automatically enrolled in the same plan the following year, if available. While this is an easy approach to dealing with healthcare coverage, it could be worthwhile to check out how a plan has changed from the previous year.

Coverage for specific parts of a plan may have been altered or costs for the coverage may no longer be competitive, so it’s important to see how your plan has been modified. Check out the benefits other healthcare plans offer and the costs associated with that coverage to make sure you’re getting the best deal for what you need. Also be sure to take a look at the satisfaction rating of the healthcare provider by other customers. Sometimes a less expensive plan is that way for a reason, but that may not always be the case. A satisfaction rating can provide an extra resource for determining if a plan is a good fit for you.

Open season runs from November 12 through December 10, so be sure to make any adjustments to coverage within the window of opportunity. 

No comments: