Open enrollment can be one of the busiest times of the year for HR teams. Between communicating plan changes, answering questions, and meeting deadlines, the focus can quickly shift to getting everyone enrolled.
But completing enrollment doesn’t necessarily mean employees understand their benefits.
When employees don’t understand their options, they may select coverage based primarily on paycheck deductions, overlook valuable programs, or encounter unexpected expenses when they need care.
Here are three ways HR can make open enrollment more meaningful.
1. Simplify the Information
Benefits terminology can be confusing. Deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums may be familiar to HR professionals, but not to every employee.
Use plain language, side-by-side plan comparisons, and real-life examples to explain how coverage works. A clear benefits guide should highlight what’s changing, what employees need to do, and where they can find additional information.
Keep communications concise and make important deadlines easy to find.
2. Help Employees Look Beyond the Premium
The plan with the lowest paycheck deduction isn’t always the least expensive option overall.
Encourage employees to consider the full picture, including:
- Premiums: What they’ll pay for coverage.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Healthcare needs: Expected prescriptions, appointments, and ongoing treatments.
- Family considerations: Who needs coverage and which plan options best fit their circumstances.
Explain how health savings accounts (HSAs) or other available benefits may fit into the decision. Educational examples can help employees compare options, but avoid promising what their actual healthcare expenses will be.
3. Make Support Easy to Find
Not every employee will find the answers they need in a guidebook or enrollment portal. Offer opportunities to ask questions through enrollment meetings, office hours, decision-support tools, or a designated benefits service team.
Make sure employees know where to turn for help with plan selection, provider searches, coverage questions, and claims issues.
And don’t wait until next year to improve the process. After enrollment, review common questions and employee feedback to identify where communications or resources could be clearer.
Clear is Kind
Open enrollment is an opportunity to do more than collect elections. Clear communication, practical education, and accessible support help employees better understand their benefits and make informed decisions.
One question to ask after this year’s enrollment: Did employees simply complete the process, or did we give them the information and support they needed to understand their choices?