TIS THE SEASON TO START MAKING WISE CHOICES

Calling all Federal workers – bells are ringing for Open Season.

Each year Federal workers have the opportunity to review their health care plan to determine if they are satisfied with the plan they have or if they need to make changes.  There may be many reasons for making a change – marriage, the birth of a child, adoption, the death of a qualifying family member or because health care needs may change calling for a different health plan.  Whatever the reason workers should be ready to carefully evaluate what plan will best answer their needs and those of their family members.

• Also Read: Splitting Federal Retirement Benefits After Divorce—Here’s What You Need to Know
• Also Read: Early Retirement for Federal Employees: The Must-Do List Before You Hand In That Notice
• Also Read: What Does the Federal Retirement Process Look Like?

In the case where both spouses work for the Federal Government, it might be worth the effort to assess the cost of plans carried individually as opposed to Self and Family when there are only two people involved.  Looking at Self Only and Self Plus One is worth a careful analysis.  The same kind of evaluation is needed when there is an enrollee and a child.  In these instances, the higher cost of Self and Family can be replaced with the Self Plus One option.

Whatever the choice, Open Season begins November 9, 2015 and runs through December 14, 2015, giving Federal workers all the time needed to review their current plan and the associated costs against competing plans that may or may not be suited for their health care needs.

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

Dianna Tafazoli