The 12-Month Plan Design Calendar
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| Month 1–3 (Q1) | Analyze prior year claims experience; identify cost drivers; review employee satisfaction data |
| Month 4–6 (Q2) | Benchmark current plan design against industry peers; identify competitive gaps |
| Month 7–9 (Q3) | Model plan design changes; evaluate cost impact; review regulatory changes |
| Month 10 (Oct) | Finalize plan design for next year; prepare open enrollment materials |
| Month 11 (Nov) | Open enrollment; employee communication; decision support |
| Month 12 (Dec) | Post-enrollment analysis; prepare for next year's review |
The Plan Design Strategy Document
A written plan design strategy document guides the annual review process. It describes the employer's benefits philosophy, cost management goals, competitive positioning objectives, and the specific plan design changes planned for the next 1–3 years. The document is reviewed and updated annually.
Starting Early
IQ Insight
Employers who start their annual plan design review in Q1 — analyzing the prior year's claims experience — consistently make better plan design decisions than those who start in Q3. Early analysis gives you time to model changes, get employee feedback, and implement changes thoughtfully. Last-minute plan design changes are almost always reactive and suboptimal.