As the year winds down, here is your quick roadmap to finish strong and start January smooth. You will see exactly what to double-check, what to update, and where to click so plans, payroll, ID cards, and accounts are ready on day one. Use it to avoid last-minute surprises, maximize any remaining benefits, and step into the new year confident and covered.
For Employers
- Close Open Enrollment. Lock final elections, send eligibility files, and confirm effective dates and class structures match plan documents and SBCs.
- Align payroll. Map each plan to the correct deduction code, test the first January payroll, and update HSA employer funding or match rules.
- Validate vendors. Confirm EDI feeds, ID card timing, COBRA handoffs, and HSA or FSA setup.• Complete compliance. Post required notices, ensure ERISA wrap and SPDs are current, prepare for ACA 1094 and 1095 reporting, and reconcile W-2 Box 12 Code DD totals.
- Clean the census. Remove termed employees and dependents, fix missing data, and reconcile against COBRA enrollments.
- January ready. Publish a one page “Using Your Benefits in January” with digital ID cards, provider search links, and care navigation contacts.
For Employees
- Use it or keep it. Spend remaining FSA dollars by December 31 if your plan does not have a carryover or grace period.
- Fund your HSA. If you are on an HSA plan, set 2026 payroll contributions now and add the age 55 catch-up if eligible. You can still make 2025 contributions until Tax Day.
- Get your cards. Watch for new medical, dental, and vision ID cards. Create online accounts with each carrier and save digital cards to your phone.
- Refill and schedule. Refill maintenance prescriptions in December and book preventive care for early 2026.
- Verify deductions. Check your first January paycheck. Report any errors immediately.
- Update beneficiaries. Review life and AD&D beneficiaries, especially after a marriage, divorce, or birth.
As you wrap up the year, take a moment to confirm your elections, save your digital ID cards, and set your HSA or FSA for next year if applicable. If anything looks off, reach out, and our team will help you fix it before the first January paycheck. Thank you for taking care of this now so you can start the new year confident and covered.