How to Decide What Plan Is Right For Me
 Selecting a health plan that’s right for you and your family is a big decision that can feel overwhelming.
Experts say that a lack of understanding of your options may result in less-than-ideal selections, which may cause you to miss out on the plan option that might better suit your needs and offer potential cost savings.
This year’s open enrollment is a good chance to review how you and your family is using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for you and your family's budget.
Below are some things to consider when comparing plan options:
1. Cost
When picking a health insurance plan, you must consider both predictable and variable costs related to your plan to determine your total estimated healthcare expenses for the year. Before you enroll in a plan, research the cost-related aspects of your plan options. This can help you determine which plan serves your budget and needs. Here are some cost-related factors to consider as you're making your decision:
- What is the Plan Structure for Services(Copays, Coinsurance etc.)
- Monthly Premiums
- Plan Deductible
- Plan Out-of-Pocket Maximum
- Eligibility for Associated Accounts like HSA with your plan
2. Consider Your and Your Family’s Healthcare Needs
From year to year, your coverage needs may change. Maybe you have different medication needs or a procedure planned for the upcoming year. Before you enroll in a plan, think about the care you or your family may need in the year ahead. Here are some factors to consider as you're making your decision:
- Medical needs
- Current Health
- Services/Specialist
- Prescription Drug Utilization and Cost
- Planned Expenses such as Upcoming Procedures
3. Ask Yourself Questions
Below are some questions to ask yourself, when deciding between your plan options.
- How much can I afford to pay in monthly premiums?
- Can I afford/am I comfortable paying a higher deductible if I or a covered dependent needs unplanned medical care?
- Are my current providers in-network?
- Can I afford to go out-of-network if my provider is not in network? Am I willing to change to an in-network provider?
- How often do I expect / expect my covered dependents to need medical care?
- Do I or my dependents see a specialist or have prescription drugs that are taken regularly?
- Do I or a dependent have any planned medical procedures coming up?
4. Review Plan Information and Utilize Plan Resources
- Plan Information on the Employee Benefits Website
- Summary Plan Descriptions(SPD)
- Summary of Benefits and Coverages (SBCs)
- Prescription Drug List/Formulary
- Current plan rates
- Provider look-up tools through carrier portal
- Attend Open Enrollment Information Session or listen to a playback of a recorded session
Anthem/CVS Caremark Carrier Change Information Sessions
Various Dates; In-Person and Virtual
Join the Employee Benefits and Wellness Office and our new Medical and Pharmacy carriers, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, CVS Caremark, for an informative session that will focus on medical plan network, formulary, transition of care, member tools, and support.
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.; 1111 E. Broad St. Room 09
- Thursday, November 13, 2025 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.; Virtual Webinar
- *CVS Caremark only, Session will be recorded for playback*
- Friday, November 14, 2025 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.;Virtual
- *Anthem only, Session will be recorded for playback*
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.; 1111 E. Broad St. Room 09
- Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.; 1111 E. Broad St. Room 09
 One Open Enrollment Two Plan Choices
For the first time, the City of Columbus is transitioning to a single Open Enrollment. This means we will no longer have a spring PPO Open Enrollment. This is your opportunity to choose your plan and update your elections for 2026!
2026 Combined PPO & HDHP Open Enrollment will occur from October 27 - November 30, 2025. The Open Enrollment period will give you the opportunity to:
- Add or Remove Covered Dependents
- Enroll in Coverage, Switch Benefit Plans or Waive Coverage
- Update your 2026 HSA Contributions.
2026 Open Enrollment Information Sessions
 2026 Open Enrollment General Information Session (Medical/RX/HSA/Dental/Vision) - In Person
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.; 1111. E. Broad St. Room 09
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.; 1111 E. Broad St Room 09
For the first time, the City of Columbus is transitioning to a single Open Enrollment. This is your opportunity to choose your plan and update your elections for 2026!
This session will cover:
- What's New for 2026
- Current Plan Options: HDHP with HSA and PPO
- How the Plans Work
- Things to Consider When Selecting Your Plan
- What is an HSA?
- HSA Eligibility
- How to Use an HSA
- HSA Benefits
- How to Open Your HSA Account
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
Unable to attend an informational session? View the recordings below:
2026 Combined PPO & HDHP Open Enrollment Home Mailer
 |
|
Be on the lookout for the 2026 Home Mailer, arriving in mailboxes with 2026 plan information. |
Colonial Life Open Enrollment November 3 - December 15, 2025
Between now and December 15, you have the flexibility to schedule a virtual or telephonic consultation through PES-One.
Click here to schedule your session. You can also email support@pes-one.com for assistance.
During your consultation, a Benefit Consultant will personally walk you through your Colonial Life benefit options and help you make confident choices for you and your family If you have a dependent you are caring for, you may be eligible to participate in a Dependent Care Account.
Important Change Coming in 2026
Beginning February 1, 2026, the City of Columbus will be transitioning to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for medical coverage and CVS Caremark for pharmacy coverage. For your 2026 elections, January 1, 2026 - January 31, 2026, medical and pharmacy coverage will remain under United Healthcare/OptumRx. Starting on February 1, 2026, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will be your new medical and CVS Caremark will be the new pharmacy carrier. Transition communication and ID cards will be provided prior to February 1, 2026.
Rate Information
Current rates for the City's Health Insurance plan for 2026 through March 31, 2026, are posted on the Employee Benefit and Wellness Website https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits. Coverage rates for April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027 for non-uniform groups (AFSCME1632, AFSCME2191, CWA, FOP-OLC, HACP, MCP groups) are expected to be posted on the Employee Benefits Website around the beginning of November. Uniform rates will be made available closer to February. Please continue to look out for additional information and updates we will have regarding Open Enrollment and the Medical and Pharmacy Carrier change.
Carrier Change Information Sessions
Please be on the look out for additional information coming soon regarding educational sessions regarding the Medical and Pharmacy Carrier change to Anthem Blue Cross Blue shield and CVS Caremark.
|
