A Virtual Benefits Fair is giving federal employees the chance to take an in-depth look at their coverage options during the health care open season.
The fair, which takes place during open enrollment, Nov. 13 to Dec. 11, enables attendees to visit virtual booths for many of the health, dental and vision plan providers available through the Office of Personnel Management Federal Employee Health Benefits offerings to explore their options and talk to representatives from the various providers. The fair also includes webinars throughout open enrollment to give insight into the enrollment process and options.
“Today many of the health care plans have representatives sitting down waiting to answer your questions,” Tammy Flanagan, senior benefits director at the National Institute of Transition Planning, said in one such webcast.
The virtual fair caters to employees that didn’t have access to an in-person fair at their workplace, didn’t see the health care provider they were interested in at such a fair, or wanted to explore their options at home with their family members.
Attendees also have the option to store documents from various providers in their conference “briefcase” for ease of reference and comparison.
To motivate attendees to explore all of their options, the fair also has a scavenger hunt, where compass icons uncover questions about the various providers. Hint: the answer to the question is usually the provider page you’re currently on.
Attendees can also chat with each other about their experiences through the Resource Center’s group chat.
Jessie Bur covers federal IT and management.
