Contributed by Marj Ciucci

Marj-Ciucci

Marj Ciucci, Senior Benefits Consultant, Lawley Insurance

Open enrollment for your employee benefit plans following the COVID-19 pandemic will be unlike any other in recent memory. Many organizations are still trying to recover from extended closures and maintain safe working environments—open enrollment is the last thing on their minds.

Yet, procrastinating on enrollment planning can actually cause more issues than it solves. From an operational standpoint, COVID-19 might surge in the fall and force states to reclose businesses. From a personnel standpoint, employees may not be comfortable returning if they feel unsafe in the workplace. That’s why it’s critical to start thinking about a safe enrollment right now.

Preparation will be the key factor for a successful open enrollment this year. Employers should talk to their insurance carriers early and prepare to answer any employee questions. Employees will need to know exactly how they will be enrolling, when enrollment is happening and where they can find help. Solidifying this information early will help keep everyone on the same page.

Trends to Watch

Many organizations are expected to hold entirely virtual open enrollment due to the coronavirus. Virtual enrollment has been trending for several years, and the COVID-19 pandemic is helping to solidify its prominence. A virtual enrollment process typically includes an online enrollment platform for selecting benefits, hosting remote meetings between employees and HR, and benefits informational hubs.

Also, many employers are meeting current employee needs through supplemental health plans with an emphasis on overall well-being. Adding optional health benefits can be a way to limit additional employer spending and provide assistance to employees who need it.

Ways Employers Can Prepare

Open enrollment isn’t always a clear-cut process. Employers can review the following strategies and consider how similar initiatives might improve their own open enrollment efforts:

  • Start your open enrollment process early. A resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall could impact your process.
  • If you don’t have an online enrollment portal – look into getting one. Paper enrollments will be a burdensome process this year as most employees are not in the office every day.
  • Large gatherings of employees for purposes of education is probably not a good idea, plan to communicate with your employees via video education or zoom open enrollment meetings.
  • Inform all employees about the enrollment process and where to find benefits information such as an informational hub.
  • Find out what resources your broker has, such as enrollment portals, information hubs, video presentations, and zoom meetings for employees. Your broker can be a great resource for open enrollment ideas.

There are many ways to successfully implement your employee benefits this year without risking the safety of your employees.  Proper preparation on how resources will be delivered to them is key – plan early and check with your broker for ways they can help.

Marj Ciucci is a Putnam County Business Council board member and senior benefits consultant with Lawley Insurance.