Dental insurance open enrollment is approaching fast. Are you ready for it?

Open enrollment refers to a period of time, typically near the end of the year, in which you can add benefits for the first time or make changes to your current insurance plans and employee benefits. This may be one of the only times throughout the year where you can make changes to existing coverage or opt-out of benefits.

Whether this is your first time or you’re an experienced participant, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared before the next open enrollment period begins. Use this guide when preparing for dental insurance open enrollment.

Why is dental insurance open enrollment a big deal?

Open enrollment is important because it gives people the chance to review and modify their benefits based on their specific needs. It gives employees and individuals the opportunity to select dental insurance plans, add or remove dependents, choose coverage levels, and make other benefit-related decisions.

When is dental insurance open enrollment?

According to HealthCare.gov, open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll in plans or make any changes before coverage starts on Jan. 1. Any enrollment after Dec. 16 and through Jan. 15 will have coverage start on Feb. 1. Jan. 15 is the end of open enrollment.

If you’re receiving benefits from an employer, the exact dates for your open enrollment period may be different from the dates listed above. Be sure to keep an eye out for any open enrollment information from your HR team or communicate with them directly for details.

Tips for preparing for dental insurance open enrollment

Taking the time to prepare for open enrollment before it starts will make the process easier and more manageable. Follow the tips below to get ready.

• Review current coverage
  • Before open enrollment starts go over your current coverage and benefits, if you have them, to see if they still fit your needs. If they don’t, write down notes that will help you when it’s time to choose your new plan(s).
• Determine your needs
  • After evaluating your current coverage, consider any life changes that may be coming. Do you have an upcoming dental procedure that isn’t covered by your current dental plan? Do you have a child who needs dental insurance? These are some factors that should be considered before going through dental insurance open enrollment.
• Seek guidance and do research
  • If your employer provides your coverage and benefits, they will typically supply information about the plans they offer. Often, employers will host informational meetings before open enrollment begins to help employees fully understand their options and the enrollment process. If your employer doesn’t provide this guidance, talk to an HR representative or benefits administrator to get your questions answered.
  • If you have an individual dental plan, make use of that company’s customer service team to get answers to your questions or concerns. They’ll be able to guide you to the perfect dental plan for you.
• Compare plans
  • Whether you have an employer-sponsored plan or an individual plan, there will likely be coverage level options. It’s important to go through each plan option to understand things like network providers, costs, coverage, premiums, coverage limits, etc. These are the meat and potatoes of your dental insurance plan and give you an idea of what to expect in terms of costs during the next year. Often, there are documents that compare plans side-by-side to make it easier to spot differences between them.
• Create a checklist
  • As open enrollment gets closer, it’s a good idea to make a checklist. You might include things like the benefits you want to enroll in, or any changes needed to your current plans. A well-planned and comprehensive checklist helps make the enrollment process stress-free.
• Know your timelines
  • Don’t miss dental insurance open enrollment because you had the dates wrong. Double check with your HR department or individual benefits provider and highlight the start and end dates for open enrollment on your calendar. Setting reminders on your smart device is also a great way to keep on top of timelines.
• Take your time
  • Once it’s time to enroll, make sure you carefully read through everything in a calm and focused manner. This is not the time to skim over things. It may be helpful to wait to go through the process until distractions such as children are out of the room. If you have a partner, ask them to look over everything before submitting your selections to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

By following these steps, you will be well-prepared to make informed decisions about your benefits during the dental insurance open enrollment period.

Delta Dental of Idaho offers a range of dental coverage options for employers and individuals. Learn more about our plans for individuals and families, employer-sponsored plans, and Medicare advantage members.