Health insurance can be confusing. Sticking with your current health plan may be the easier choice during Open Season, but is it the best? Your health, family, and financial situations may change from year to year, and it’s important to ensure you have a health plan that meets those needs.
Instead of settling for the same coverage, here are five reasons you may want to consider switching health plans this Open Season.
1. You will be experiencing a major life event
If you are getting married, expanding your family, switching jobs, moving, or experiencing another major life event, what you need from your health plan may change. For example, your dependents may have different health care needs, such as maternity care, well child visits, or specific prescription medications. Each family member’s unique needs are essential factors in choosing a plan that supports everyone. In addition, moving to a new ZIP code or county may mean your current health insurance plan no longer provides coverage in that area.
Take time to review your options thoroughly. Consider not only immediate needs, but also what the plan offers in terms of long-term support — like specialist access, mental health resources, and flexibility. Doing your research now can help you select a plan that aligns with your whole family.
2. The costs of your current plan are rising
Health insurance premiums for federal employees and retirees will rise an average of 13.5% in 2025. That said, it’s important to shop around for health plans and consider not just premiums, but also other out-of-pocket costs, to better estimate how much you might spend.
While it is difficult to anticipate all your needs, comparing costs for copays and deductibles can help you plan to the best of your ability. You should also factor in costs for emergency care, specialists, and lab tests when looking for health plans, even if you don’t think you will need it. You never know what health problems can arise, so it’s best to be prepared.
Many plans offer complimentary wellness programs or extra perks like discounted gym memberships or free virtual care throughout the year to help offset some of the monthly premium costs. Choose a plan that gives you more bang for your buck. For example, High Option Compass Rose Health Plan members can earn up to $350 each year for completing things like:
- Getting an annual routine preventive care exam
- Receiving a cervical cancer screening, mammogram, or colorectal cancer screening
- Participating in various health programs, like Living Well or Maternity Management
- Using online tools to price their medications or health care costs
When a plan offers monetary incentives, it helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for members, allowing them to spend more of their paycheck how they want to. Plus, it encourages members to take control of their health, so it’s a win-win!
Learn more about the Compass Rose Wellness Rewards Program
To make your research easier, you can compare costs across different Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans using OPM's plan comparison tool.
3. You are retiring
Retirement comes with many perks: more time to travel, explore hobbies, and spend time with loved ones. It’s also a time to plan for more comprehensive health care coverage to support your evolving health needs as you age.
Those over the age of 65 are eligible for Medicare. However, Medicare may not cover everything you need — like hearing aids or massage therapy — and in most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. In most cases, you will want to keep FEHB coverage, because if you cancel your FEHB coverage, you cannot reenroll in the FEHB program. As a secondary insurer, some FEHB plans, like the High Option Compass Rose Health Plan, will pick up the costs Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copays, deductibles and coinsurance. With the High Option Compass Rose Health Plan, you can enhance your coverage with Compass Rose Medicare Advantage while remaining in the FEHB program!
Medicare Part B premiums quickly add up, which is why Compass Rose Medicare Advantage offers members and their enrolled spouses a $125 subsidy to cover the costs. This monthly subsidy equates to $1,500 per member per year. Plus, Compass Rose Medicare Advantage offers a $40 quarterly allowance on over-the-counter items like band-aids, toothpaste and other medical supplies. Members get access to a collection of benefits you won’t find anywhere else, including coverage for hearing, dental, and vision and a free fitness program! With the rising cost of health care, make sure to look for a plan that has your back and provides benefits that can help offset some of your monthly expenses.
4. You need virtual care from home
When you’re under the weather, having access to same-day virtual care all from the comfort of your home (or couch!) can make all the difference in your recovery.
That’s why the Compass Rose Health Plan includes coverage for telehealth visits through a network provider and Doctor On Demand®. We know that life can be demanding and having access to virtual care at any time is a necessity, not a luxury. Plus, with mental health care options from home, it’s easier to overcome barriers and access support when you need it.
Some health plans may offer more than just virtual sick visits or mental health care. Digital exercise therapy for musculoskeletal pain and pelvic disorders is expanding what’s possible from a computer or smartphone.
There are many reasons why someone may not be able to (or not want to) see a physical therapist in person. Time may be limited, or they live in a remote area without access to many care options. No matter the reason, virtual physical therapy may be a helpful benefit. High Option Compass Rose Health Plan members have access to free digital exercise therapy and pelvic health care as part of their plan benefits.
Telehealth is the new norm for 2025, offering a range of options for diverse needs. If getting the care you need from home is important to you and your family, make that a priority when looking for a new plan.
5. Your current plan just isn’t meeting your needs anymore
As time goes on, you may realize there are other health plans that offer more benefits that are better suited to your needs. Maybe your provider no longer accepts your insurance, your health plan requires referrals to see specialists, your plan does not provide coverage for alternative treatments like massage therapy or chiropractic care, or you need a new prescription that is not covered by your plan.
Perhaps your current plan is just not meeting your expectations. Whether that means you’ve struggled to get support from customer service, had a poor membership experience, or the plan has a limited network and lacks the care options you need, now is the time to consider making the switch.
The Compass Rose Health Plan has 3 plan options that are built to grow with you through every stage of life. We pride ourselves on providing competitive rates with fantastic benefits for all FEHB eligible active and retired civilian employees.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Compare our plan options this Open Season. You have from November 11 – December 9, 2024 to choose the Compass Rose Health Plan!