A lot can happen in a year. Maybe you welcomed a new family member, started thinking about retirement or discovered your child needs braces. Or perhaps the changes have been smaller, like needing new glasses or putting off dental work.
Whatever the past year has brought, Open Season is a good opportunity to take a fresh look at your dental and vision benefits. Before sticking with the same coverage, consider whether it still meets your needs and what other options you have.
Major life events such as marriage, divorce, welcoming a child or approaching retirement can influence your insurance decisions. But your family’s dental and vision needs can also evolve gradually, even when nothing significant has changed.
Think about everyone covered under your plan. Are your children entering a stage where their dental needs may be different? Have your own priorities shifted from preventive care to more extensive treatment?
Taking stock of where your household is today can help you identify what matters most when evaluating your benefits.
Your experience with your current coverage is one of the best places to start.
Review the dental and vision services your household used over the past year. Did you pay more out of pocket than expected? Were the services you needed covered? Did you have access to your preferred dentists and eye care providers?
Next, consider any anticipated expenses for the coming year for you and your family. While you can’t predict every need, knowing what services may be on the horizon can help you evaluate whether your current plan offers the right level of coverage.
Cost is an important consideration, but the monthly premium is only part of the picture.
When comparing dental and vision plans, look at deductibles, copays, annual coverage limits and benefits for specific services. It’s also worth checking provider networks, particularly if you want to continue seeing your current dentist or eye care professional.
A plan with a lower premium may seem attractive, but higher out-of-pocket expenses could offset those savings. Understanding the full picture can help you determine which option delivers the best value for your household.
You may find that your current dental and vision coverage is still a great fit. Or you may discover an option that better aligns with your priorities and budget.
With GEBA, Federal Employees and their families can explore dental and vision insurance options, understand their benefits and make informed decisions during Open Season.
The important thing is to make an intentional choice rather than simply carrying over last year’s decision.
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