Navigating Open Enrollment Like a Pro

Open enrollment season is fast approaching, and for many employees, understanding benefits can be as challenging as navigating a cross-country road trip. But fear not, because you’re well-prepared for this annual journey. You’re ready to steer your employees smoothly through the benefits landscape, ensuring they understand their options and feel confident in their healthcare decisions.

At CheckGoBenefits, we view open enrollment as the ultimate road trip, requiring strategic planning and well-timed pit stops. To make the experience enjoyable for both you and your employees, we’ve outlined key steps to maximize the benefits of open enrollment.

Let’s hit the open road with confidence:

1. Set Your Journey on the Right Path

Before embarking on any road trip, thorough preparation is essential. Similarly, your open enrollment planning should start with a review of the previous year’s experience. Reflect on the following questions:

• What tasks were time-consuming last year?
• Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises?
• What feedback did you receive from leadership, managers, and employees?
• Did you wish you had done anything differently?

Engage with your management teams and employees to gather valuable insights. Ask questions like:

• What changes would you make to your benefit choices if given the chance?
• How did you approach last year’s open enrollment decisions?
• What concerns do you have about this year’s open enrollment?

Identify potential roadblocks, especially if you’re introducing significant benefit changes, have remote employees, or face historical challenges in engaging employees.

2. Create Clear Goals

Just as a road trip has more than reaching the destination, open enrollment should align with broader benefits strategy. Collaborate with leadership to understand the overall goals for the benefits program. Set tangible goals, such as:

• Increase enrollment numbers by a specific percentage.
• Boost participation in a particular program.
• Enhance post-enrollment satisfaction.
• Reduce employee turnover.

Define key metrics to measure progress, like the percentage of employees enrolled, enrollment velocity, and satisfaction levels.

3. Map Out Your Route

Building a detailed calendar is crucial for a successful journey. Utilize templates or resources from your health plan partners and consultants. Include every communication touchpoint, from emails to virtual meetings, ensuring transparency across your benefits team.

Identify checkpoints for progress evaluation and adaptability. Regularly review metrics and engagement stats, adjusting your strategy based on what resonates best with your employees.

4. Energize Your Workforce

Now, it’s time to engage your employees and provide them with the information needed to make informed decisions. Tailor your communication strategy to suit the diverse needs of your employee population. Consider:

• Using various communication forms to reach different employee preferences.
• Simplifying complex healthcare jargon with plain language.
• Breaking down tasks into manageable steps for easier comprehension.

Encourage creativity to capture attention, and personalize communication based on employee demographics and preferences.

5. Build Momentum and Beat Procrastination

Keep the momentum going by adapting your strategy based on engagement metrics. Update your calendar with successful communication methods and introduce exciting elements to maintain interest. Gamify participation to make the process enjoyable and competitive.

Address procrastination by reaching out to stragglers with personalized communication. Anonymize question forums can help those with specific concerns feel more comfortable.

6. Finish Strong

As you approach the end of open enrollment, evaluate progress against set metrics. Celebrate both big and small wins with your team. Review reporting and document lessons learned for a smoother process next year.

Celebrate the successful completion of open enrollment, acknowledging the hard work invested by your team. Remember, at CheckGoBenefits, we’re dedicated to simplifying the healthcare experience for you and your employees throughout the year, not just during open enrollment. Safe travels!