The annual open season for selecting and/or changing your federal benefits ends Dec. 14. Federal employees who have put off investigating other health plan choices may want to consider 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.
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?
Brittany Ballenstedt
Brittany Ballenstedt writes Nextgov's Wired Workplace blog, which delves into the issues facing employees who work in the federal information technology sector. Before joining Nextgov, Brittany covered federal pay and benefits issues as a staff correspondent for Government Executive and served as an associate editor for National Journal's Technology Daily. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mansfield University and originally hails from Pennsylvania. She currently lives near Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where her husband is stationed.
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