As a benefits administrator, you play a crucial role in ensuring employees make the most of their healthcare benefits. Now that open enrollment has ended, it’s the perfect time to help employees set themselves up for a financially secure and stress-free year. Here’s how you can guide them.

With open enrollment behind them, employees may not have fully considered how much to contribute to their health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Encourage them to review their expected healthcare expenses for the year and adjust contributions accordingly (while staying within IRS limits). Many employees don’t take full advantage of the tax benefits these accounts offer — helping them understand potential savings can be a game-changer.

January marks a reset for most healthcare plans, meaning employees may not have met their deductibles yet. Educate them on how their plan works, particularly when it makes sense to schedule elective procedures, preventive care or treatments to maximize their benefits while managing costs throughout the year.

Preventive care is often covered at 100%, yet many employees don’t take advantage of it. Now is the time to encourage them to schedule annual checkups, screenings and vaccinations. Additionally, if an employer offers wellness incentives, help ensure their employees are aware of these programs and how they can earn rewards for healthy behaviors.

Many employees see a change in their prescription drug costs at the start of a new plan year. Help them navigate cost-saving options, such as using generic medications, switching to mail-order refills or leveraging prescription discount programs. For those with HSAs or FSAs, reinforce how these accounts can help offset out-of-pocket prescription expenses.

Healthcare literacy remains a challenge for many employees. Provide ongoing education on key concepts like in-network vs. out-of-network providers, telehealth options, urgent care vs. emergency room visits, and price transparency tools. Equipping employees with this knowledge helps them make more cost-effective healthcare decisions throughout the year.

For those with FSAs, some employers offer a grace period or a rollover option. Ensure employees understand their employer’s specific rules so they don’t leave money on the table. If a grace period is in place, provide reminders as deadlines approach.

Even with the best planning, unexpected medical costs can arise. Help employees understand financial support options like payment plans, employer assistance programs or alternative financing strategies. Encourage them to check their benefits package for resources they may not have considered.

The start of the year is a critical time for benefits engagement. By proactively educating employees on how to navigate their healthcare expenses effectively, benefits administrators can ensure they get the most value from their benefits, leading to improved financial well-being and overall satisfaction.