Understanding Your Work-Related Benefits: 2026–2027 Open Enrollment Guide

Confused at open enrollment? This plain-language guide helps you choose your workplace benefits with confidence in about 30 minutes.

Written by Gladys Frederick, who has spent over 15 years helping people apply for and keep their benefits.

WHAT’S INSIDE

• The 5 words that decide what you pay: premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum

• PPO vs. EPO vs. HMO vs. high-deductible plans, with a side-by-side comparison

• How to compare a “low” and “high” plan by total yearly cost

• Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA, including the new $7,500 limit

• HSAs: 2026 and 2027 limits, and HSA vs. FSA

• Short- and long-term disability, and why voluntary short-term disability matters

• Voluntary life insurance, portability and conversion

• FMLA, NY Paid Family Leave, and which states offer paid leave

• A printable My Benefits Checklist and questions to ask HR

WHAT YOU GET

• 1 PDF guide (14 pages, US Letter size)

• Instant digital download. Read it on any device or print it at home.

PLEASE NOTE

This is a digital product, so no physical item will be shipped. The guide is for education only and is not insurance, tax, legal or financial advice. Always check your own plan documents and ask HR before you enroll. For personal use only; please do not share or resell.