On behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC), I participated in a campaign for 2013 Aflac Open Enrollment. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
About this time every year, for the past several years, it has been customary for us to make health care insurance choices. This year is no exception. Known as Open Enrollment, employers and insurance companies try to educate consumers on what health care options will be available for the coming year ahead. For some, changes in the past may have ranged from minor to major. In 2010 the US health care reform legislation was passed, with changes scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Most everyone in the US may be affected in some way or another. The current 2013 Open Enrollment will play an important part in what choices need to be made for 2014.
Aflac conducted the 2013 Open Enrollent Survey with some very interesting results as noted below.
The knowledge gap is widening among workers and could result in inadequate or financially-risky benefit choices. It’s interesting to note that the average annual worker contribution for family health insurance coverage has increased by 89% over the last 10 years (2003 to 2013). Seventy-one percent of American workers (7 out of 10) already admit they only sometimes or rarely understand the changes to their policies each year, yet 90% elect the same coverage every year.
As a matter of fact, many workers do not understand the benefits options offered by their employer and a majority (68%) admit to making mistakes or having regrets during the open enrollment process. A result of the Aflac survey discovered that more than half (54%) of workers waste up to $750 because of benefit mistakes made during open enrollment. To help avoid making mistakes, employees need to make a special effort to educate themselves about what their plans actually cover and review carefully policy changes made each year. Especially this year.
In an effort to educate, enlighten and help during this crucial open enrollment period, Aflac is providing a resource to help make informed decisions. Take full advantage of the information and tips available at Open Enrollment Resources designed to help in this new era of health care.
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