2023 Benefit Enrollment Updates

Annual enrollment with a January 1st plan year is right around the corner and it is time to start planning for 2023 employee benefits.  With benefit costs expected to increase 5.6% in 2023, companies are reviewing their benefit strategies now.  Trends that being considered include;

• Lowering deductibles
• Re-introducing PPO’s
• Expanding behavioral through enhanced EAP services, more on-line resources, and training managers on recognizing behavioral health issues
• Continuing the use of virtual care, such as doctor visits

While focusing on benefit costs and strategies is at the forefront of benefit renewals, time should be set aside to review the plan documents and other communication materials to determine if any changes are needed.  In doing this review, any differences in policies and procedures can be identified and corrected. Company policies, such as extending benefit coverage during a leave of absence, should always match the plan document. ERISA guidelines continue to state that the “plan document” always rules.