You’ve made a great decision choosing HMSA. If you’re happy with your plan and haven’t been through any life changes, you may not need to do anything.
But if you got married, had a baby, or experienced other significant life changes and haven’t updated your HMSA plan, open enrollment is a great time to make sure your HMSA plan still fits your needs.
Tips for open enrollment
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Start early. Give yourself time to weigh your options.
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Do your homework. Check your plan and evaluate your needs.
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Remember to look at other benefits your employer may offer, such as a flexible spending account, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k), etc.
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Go to open enrollment sessions if your company offers them.
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If there are no open enrollment sessions, talk to someone in your human resources department or find co-workers you trust, or call HMSA.
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Do your math and be realistic about your budget.
Open enrollment demystified
Think of open enrollment as a time to make sure your HMSA plan is still the best choice for you and to update it if necessary.
Your goal is to manage costs while making sure that your plan gives you access to the benefits and services you need, with access to the best doctors, facilities, and other providers.
Remember to look at your total health care costs, not just your premium or how much you pay for health care each month. These other costs include:
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Out-of-pocket expenses. These are expenses for medical care that aren't reimbursed or covered.
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Deductible. The amount you must spend on covered health services before HMSA begins to pay.
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Copayments. These are the payments you make whenever you receive medical services after reaching your deductible.
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Out-of-pocket maximum. This is the maximum amount you have to spend for covered services in a year. After you reach this amount, HMSA pays 100 percent of covered services.
If you have questions about open enrollment, HMSA is here to help you. Stop by an HMSA Center where our specialists can help you get the most from your HMSA plan. Or call us at 948-6079 on Oahu or 1 (800) 776-4672 toll-free on the Neighbor Islands Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
