Open Enrollment for 2009

Medical
I've had HSA for two years and I must say I'm very satisfied with it, especially I didn't use much of it this year. The thought of not dealing with insurance company is great. The problem, however, is my company kept switching providers! My first year was with Lumenos, now we have United, and next year will be with Aetna. I had to pay $25 to transfer from Lumenos to United, and I hope the company will pay for that this year as they should.

Next year is also the first year that we will get company match on the HSA contribution up to $500 a year. I've heard about that in other companies, and finally, as a Fortune 500 company and a firm with 55,000 people worldwide, we are getting this benefit. This means that I can reduce my contribution to save money for wedding!

Dental
I'll switch back to Dental PPO High Option next year. I've been alternating high and low plans every year to save some money.

Vision
My first year working for my company this was included with Medical. However, it only lasted a year, so I haven't been getting it since then. I think my HSA will cover anything, if I need any medical attention for my eyes.

Insurance
I'm keeping minimal coverage for life and accident insurance, just to have something to cover basic costs if something does happen to me as I have no dependents.

Others
Feel like the legal plan not necessary, and I have been OK without it the past few years. I also skipped the Optional 20% Disability Insurance Buy-Up Option -- I think what the company covers is fine for an office worker like me.

The following are not part of the Open Enrollment items, but is worth my time thinking about as this is almost the end of the year.

Roth 401K
I have been putting 4% in to get the company match since I started contributing to my Roth IRA. I'm no where to be maxing out my yearly contribution limit, but I will revisit my goals. After all, next year will be a bigger spending year than usual due to the wedding, which will be my main focus as far as financial planning.

Roth IRA
I may be able to max out my Roth IRA for 2008 as I can still contribute to it until Apr 15 of next year, but I wouldn't count on being able to do it for 2009 for the same reason as my 401K.

Federal Tax/State Tax Withheld
Federal - 2 exemptions
State - 3 exemptions