Open Enrollment Strategies, Rules and Tips for Employers

Your Group Benefits Renewal is upon you!  You have to make a decision of what carriers and benefits you will sponsor for the upcoming year.

Once decisions have been made, you have to communicate the results/changes to your employees.  There are several things an employer needs to be aware and consider when establishing a communication strategy.

Be aware of:

• Legal changes affecting plan design
• Elective plan changes implemented
• How will employee’s contributions be affected
• Mandated carrier benefit changes
• Timeline for communicating with carriers and employees

Written Communications:

• Advance communication announcing upcoming renewal
• Consider various communication methods

Open Enrollment Communications:

• In Person – Group Employee Meetings
• Webinars
• Provide materials – Employee Benefit Package
• Include/provide important annual mandated notices - SBC’s, ACA, HIPPA, etc.

Things to Consider:

• Employees/Employers pay a significant amount for coverage! Education is the best way to encourage employees on effective ways to utilize their benefits
• 5 myths about employee benefits packages
• Provide employees with resources
• Ensure your carrier plan documents, ERISA, POP, are updated with any implemented changes

Meet the Presenter:

Lupe Salgado

Director of Client Services
Employee Benefits Division
Connor & Gallagher OneSource

Lupe has close to 30 years of employee benefits experience working on both the carrier and brokerage sides.

Some of her specialty areas include the development of personnel and procedures that enable the Employee Benefits Team to deliver the highest level of customer service and strategic consulting. Lupe also serves as an additional resource for Employer's High Level Issues as well as overall performance of our service teams.