A recent national survey found that the majority of women (59%) spend less than two hours learning about their health insurance options.

As a consumer, you make more and more informed decisions on planning for the future. Similar to the way in which you make purchasing decisions — looking at all options and evaluating your preference — Americans are now empowered to take a more active role in managing their health and financial benefits.

To make the most of your benefits choices and options, you need the right tools, information, and support to make well-informed decisions. Remember these fast facts to make sure your health and financial benefits are in order:

• Review the Open Enrollment Packet: Typically from October to December, employees are given the opportunity to look over changes that the employer has made to the benefits package. This time also offers a chance for you to assess your latest benefits needs. If you're getting married or starting a family, those needs may be different from the same time last year. Making the most of the benefits your employer offers can be the equivalent of getting a raise that increases your salary by thousands of dollars.

• Consider Flexible Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualifying health care costs. Costs might include paying deductibles and copays, but might also cover expenses like dental costs, daycare, prescription drugs, alternative therapy (such as massage) and, now, even some over-the-counter medicines.

• Check In On Your 401(k): In most circumstances, you won't have to wait for open enrollment to make adjustments to your 401(k) plan. However, open enrollment season is a great time for an annual review of your 401(k) plan along with your assessment of your other employee benefits — it's a good time for that annual checkup.

http://www.planforyourhealth.com/careers_checkup.cfm 

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