Online Open Season Tools

The annual open season for selecting and/or changing your federal benefits began Nov. 8 and runs through Dec. 13. With employee contributions rising an average of 7.2 percent, it might be wise to weigh alternatives to your current plan. And federal employees interested in considering alternatives may want to use some online tools to help make an informed decision before the deadline.

Consumers' Checkbook provides an online version of its popular print Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. Many agencies provide access to the online guide to their employees at no charge. Click here to see if your agency is among them.

PlanSmartChoice, which is run by Asperity Decision Solutions, also helps federal employees compare medical, dental and vision plan options to determine the best plan, estimate total costs and learn about the benefits of tax-savings plans such as flexible spending and health savings accounts. The tool is available to all federal employees and federal retirees who are not eligible for Medicare.

The Office of Personnel Management also offers a plan comparison tool, online brochures and other information on plan costs. You can also become a fan of Open Season on Facebook to learn more about plan updates and changes.

As always, it's important to consider several factors when choosing a plan: your family size, age, pay system, full- or part-time status, geographic area, retirement status, Medicare status and overall risk of high medical costs. Check out Government Executive's Open Season Guide for more information on this year's changes.

How will you make your health care decisions this year? Will you rely on the host of online tools available? Or will print brochures and guides and co-worker feedback be your main source in making your decision?