Managing Employee Open Enrollment During COVID
At Wharton & Power Insurance, open enrollment is usually a time when we meet with our clients’ employees as a group and one-on-one to review the group health plan. The remote nature of work these days is making that essential communication challenging. Our firm is recording the content so it can be delivered digitally by the employers. However, for employees who are new to the plan, have a new medical diagnosis or medication, or have claim questions, this one-size-fits-all communication does not serve their needs. And, it is up to the employer to ensure everyone views and understands the information, rather than having us available at that moment to clarify. It behooves employers to make sure open enrollment efforts achieve their goal – successfully onboarding employees to the group health insurance plan. For employees, it is imperative they understand their coverage. Below we offer some tips to help everyone begin 2021 on the right track.
Offer an Easy Conduit Internally for Individual Questions
Employees tend to look to their Human Resources representative for employment-related questions, including health coverage. During open enrollment, it might make sense to offer special “office hours” to ensure HR has the time to field an influx of inquiries. Also, if the same general questions are being asked, place the answers on a virtual community board.
Anticipate the Unique Questions COVID Brings
Beyond upending our normal communication and social options, the pandemic has offered a slew of new medical situations. Do employees know where they can get a COVID test? Do they know if their family members can get tested? Do they understand what COVID-related procedures are covered? Once a vaccine is available, will they know how to receive one? Creating a central spot for current and evolving pandemic-related information will go a long way in helping employees feel more comfortable during this challenging time.
Work with a Broker Committed to Customer Service
We have all had to flex during these strange times, and our firm has led the charge. Our employees and our partners are creating personalized content for each of our clients’ employee groups per their specifications. We are also offering one-on-one consultations with their employees. We understand that few benefits are as personally, emotionally and financially charged as health coverage. Our team is ready to guide each employee through their options regardless of this virtual world in which we now find ourselves.
For most of us in the workforce, we are not accustomed to the lack of social interaction and personalized information. As an employer, you are investing in employee health insurance because you value your employees and they value the coverage! The Wharton & Power Team is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure our clients have an impactful open enrollment season. Let us know if we can help you too. Send me an email or give me a call at 317.663.4138.
