SELF-PLUS ONE ENROLLMENT

John Faith
November 6, 2014

It is nearly here – an enrollment type that fits you. Not every employee needs Self only or Self and Family. The world is changing and there are many family types and categories that describe what we need in health care and so many other venues of our lives. Many organizations outside of the Federal government have long had the category of Self Plus One offered to its employees.

I recall negotiating a benefits plan for a large private organization a number of years past. It was my intent to do a complete overhaul of the old benefits

program because it was costing employees too much money. The proposed overhaul required meeting with and researching the services of a number of carriers in an attempt to find what would benefit our workforce. We had a number of young employees of child-bearing age and they were a part of the new and emerging family dynamic – single parent with a child and they needed a coverage type to address their status.

I found the Carrier and we implemented the new plan. I remember the happy workforce and cheers because they knew how much the organization valued them. We heard their voices and we acted. If there was such a coverage type in the market, we were determined to find it and find it we did. There is quite a cost savings between Family and Self Plus One. The Office of Personnel Management has announced that the coverage of Self Plus One will be effective on January 1, 2016. Therefore, the annual Open Season starting November 9, 2015, will include the new enrollment type in the available choices.

Federal employees need to pay close attention to this option in the event it is an option that will better serve their individual needs. Don’t just let Open Season come and go without really looking into what might be a new and improved service with your current carrier or perhaps another carrier. Sometimes complacency can result in not getting the kind of information needed to set you and your family on a more productive path.

P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.

Dianna Tafazoli