Your Open Enrollment Toolkit
There’s a lot to think about this year. Check out these resources designed to help you get to know your options.
A Step-by-step Guide For Finding Your Plan
Here’s what to consider when making your open enrollment decisions.
Step 1: Think about the plan you had last year.
Was I enrolled in the Blue Cross-sponsored HMO plan in 2025?
If so, you can continue using that plan, switch to our PPO offering, or choose to seek coverage elsewhere. If you were enrolled in any other plan, you can’t elect our HMO offering for 2026.
Did my coverage last year meet my needs?
Whichever plan you were enrolled in, consider whether the plan’s benefits met the needs of you and your family. Did you meet your deductible, make the most of your health financial account, or want more network flexibility? These questions can help determine what’s best for you this upcoming year.
Step 2: Identify which plan designs fit your situation.
What is my annualized base salary as of October 1, 2025?
This will help you determine which plan designs are relevant to you, so you can accurately compare your options. For part-time associates, you can calculate your annualized salary by multiplying your hourly rate of pay by 1,950.
Who do I need coverage for?
There are four coverage tiers this year: individual, individual + adult, individual + child/children, and family. If you know which one you’re looking for, that’s a lot fewer numbers you need to look at.
Step 3: Consider your care needs.
How often do my plan members need care?
Think about your care needs this upcoming year. Do you only need preventive care, like routine health checkups, occasional care for minor illness, or frequent care with regular medication and/or specialist visits? Do you have any planned surgeries? This will help you estimate potential costs, and when you might reach a certain plan’s deductible.
Do any of my plan members live or regularly get care outside of New England?
If so, take a look at our PPO plan, which includes coverage for our national network of providers.
Step 4: Compare the costs.
How much do I expect to spend on care next year?
Try to determine how much you expect to spend on care next year — and when you might meet a plan’s deductible. This is just part of determining the costs associated with your plan, though. Be sure to visit each plan’s page for information on the costs for specific services, how payments work, and compatible health financial accounts.
Which health financial accounts are right for me?
Both of our plan offerings come with a Blue Cross-funded health financial account, plus the option to add certain FSAs. Different types of accounts can be used for different expenses. Go here to learn more about how they work, and how much they can help you save.
Step 5: Don’t forget the extras.
Do I need any more coverage?
You also have the option of enrolling in dental and vision care. Plus full-time associates working 30 or more hours per week can choose to upgrade their life and accident insurance and long-term disability.
Get Expert Financial Support
Did you know that the experts from Financial Finesse are well-versed in our plan options? You can also choose to give them access to your claims history, so they can help you pick the right benefits for your needs and financial situation at no cost to you.
Give them a call at 1-833-224-5233, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and work through the questions above together, or create an account at ffhub.com/thrive to access resources or connect via live chat.
