What is Open Enrollment?

Posted on August 31, 2023 in Insurance

*Updated November 2024

Choosing your benefits for the year is an important decision, and one that should be carefully considered whether it’s your first time opting in or your 30th. By taking time to understand what open enrollment is and researching plan options, you can make wise decisions for your healthcare needs and your budget.

Understanding open enrollment

Open enrollment is the time each year when companies allow their employees to enroll in or modify existing health benefits. It’s also the time for people to sign up for or modify individual insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at healthcare.gov. 

As you navigate the open enrollment period, it's important to think about your healthcare needs and consider how coverage can positively affect your overall well-being. For example, having dental insurance allows you to access dental care at potentially lower rates, making sure you can afford to get the care you need. It's important to take advantage of open enrollment so you can choose the best plan for you and your oral health needs as you look at the year ahead.

Choosing the right dental insurance plan

When it’s time to choose a dental insurance plan, evaluate your needs and research plan options ahead of time.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Review your current coverage: Look at what your current plan offers and whether it still meets your requirements.
• Consider your upcoming health needs: Will you need new treatments, surgeries, or medications? Factor these into your decision-making.
• Compare plan options: Review what new plans are available and compare costs, coverage, and provider networks.
• Understand costs: Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to determine the total cost of your care.
• Ask questions: If you’re unsure about what’s covered, reach out to the insurance provider for clarification.
  • If you have an employer-provided plan, they may offer a meeting or digital presentation that highlights different plans and their benefits prior to enrollment. 
  • If you have an individual plan, reach out to a specialist to talk through options and get a recommendation on what plan best suits your needs.

Navigating the open enrollment process

Once you've picked out the right plan for you, look for the enrollment dates and mark them on your calendar so you don't miss it. Open enrollment dates vary by employer and type of coverage. Be on the lookout for emails or notifications from your HR team to know when your specific enrollment period begins. 

Note: Outside of the open enrollment period, making changes to your health insurance is typically restricted to qualifying life events, such as getting married, having a child, or losing other coverage. 

Open enrollment helps you take charge of your healthcare

Once you've familiarized yourself with what open enrollment is, identified your ideal plan, and marked your calendar for the opening and closing dates of the enrollment period, you're ready to take the next step – enrollment!

Follow your employer's guidance to navigate the selection process, or if you have an individual plan, simply head to your insurance provider's website and search for "open enrollment" to complete the process.

Delta Dental of Iowa has plans available through employers of all sizes, and also offers individual plans through the ACA, available on healthcare.gov. Be sure to include dental coverage in your open enrollment plans.