With open enrollment season in full swing, now is the perfect time to evaluate your employee health insurance benefits. Unfortunately, a recent Aflac survey shows many employees spend very little time reviewing their benefits packages. For a practical guide to reviewing plan options, see Evaluating Employee Health Insurance Benefits.
Survey highlights
- Two out of five (41%) of American employees spend under 15 minutes choosing health benefits for the upcoming year.
- Twenty-four percent spend less than five minutes selecting benefits.
- Those same employees typically spend far more time researching major purchases — for example, new cars (about 10 hours), family vacations (about five hours), and new computers (about four hours).
Understand your benefits
Technical jargon on insurance papers can be confusing, but it's better to read and ask questions now than to miss important coverage when you need it. Take time to check which procedures are covered, where you can get treatment, and how much you'll owe toward the deductible.
Many employees report not understanding their benefits; taking a few focused minutes to read plan summaries and provider networks can prevent surprises later.
Know what's changing
Employers may add or change offerings such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), dental coverage, or wellness benefits. When your plan changes, take the opportunity to learn how new options affect your out-of-pocket costs and care access. If you need details about administering benefit elections or spousal coverage rules, review Benefit plan administration: common errors, spousal benefits, and online access.
Select partners for long-term health
Open enrollment is the time to switch coverage if you want a new primary care doctor, specialist, or pharmacy. Confirm that your preferred hospitals, labs, and pharmacies are in-network so your long-term care team is covered by your plan.
Save money
When you don't choose carefully you may pay for premiums or miss benefits you would use; some estimates suggest this can cost individuals an average of several hundred dollars per year. Investing time during open enrollment can help you avoid wasted premiums and lost benefits.
Choose premiums you can afford
Employers often pass rising insurance costs to employees, so selecting the most suitable combination of coverage options lets you control premium levels. A few hours of attention now can prevent premiums from straining your household budget in the coming year.
Although many people auto-enroll and keep the same benefits, take time to verify the coverage you want and ask an agent if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I spend reviewing my benefits?
A focused 30–60 minutes is usually enough to compare costs, check provider networks, and verify key coverages for the coming year.
What documents should I read before enrolling?
Review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), plan enrollment materials, and any provider network or drug formulary lists provided by your employer or insurer.
Should I change plans if my doctor is out-of-network?
If staying with your current doctor is important, consider a plan that includes that provider in-network to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get help understanding plan choices?
Your HR department or benefits administrator can explain options, and you can ask an agent for details about plan differences and costs.