Question 1

If we switch carriers mid-year, does my calendar year deductible start over?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many California carriers will give you credit for what you've already paid toward your deductible under your prior carrier — a practice called deductible portability. To take advantage of it, you'll need to submit Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from your old carrier to the new one, typically within the first 30–60 days of your new coverage. This is a courtesy extended by most major carriers, not a legal requirement — and it's carrier-dependent. Kaiser Permanente, for example, generally does not offer deductible credit. Ask your Blue Ocean Benefits broker before your renewal to confirm whether your new carrier honors this.

Question 2

What about my out-of-pocket maximum — does that carry over too?

Accepted Answer

No. This is one of the most important distinctions when switching carriers: out-of-pocket maximum accumulations do not transfer. Even if you were $200 away from meeting your OOP max under your old plan, you start fresh at $0 with the new carrier. This applies even if the deductible credit (Question 1) is honored. If you or a covered family member has had significant medical expenses this year, this is a critical factor to weigh before a mid-year carrier change.

Question 3

When does my new coverage start, and will there be a gap?

Accepted Answer

For most Blue Ocean Benefits clients who renew December 1, new coverage is effective 12/1 and prior coverage ends 11/30. There is no gap in coverage. Your new insurance cards may take a few weeks to arrive, but your coverage is active on day one — use your new carrier's temporary ID card or look up your member ID online.

Question 4

Will my current doctors be in-network under the new plan?

Accepted Answer

Not guaranteed. Networks differ significantly between carriers and even between plan tiers within the same carrier. Before open enrollment closes, search the new carrier's online provider directory or call the carrier directly to verify your physicians, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in-network. This step is especially important for HMO plans, where out-of-network care is generally not covered at all (except emergencies).

Question 5

I'm currently in the middle of treatment. What happens when we switch carriers?

Accepted Answer

Your pre-existing condition will be covered — the ACA prohibits any carrier from denying coverage based on health history. However, continuity of care requires proactive steps on your part. Your new carrier may require new referrals, new prior authorizations, or that you switch to an in-network specialist. If you're receiving ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, physical therapy, a pregnancy, etc.), contact the new carrier before your effective date to establish a continuity of care plan.

Question 6

Can I add or remove dependents during open enrollment even if I missed it before?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Open enrollment is your annual window to make changes to your coverage without needing a qualifying life event. You can add a spouse, domestic partner, or child; remove a dependent who has obtained other coverage; switch plans; or waive coverage entirely. Outside of open enrollment, you can only make changes within 30 days of a qualifying event (marriage, birth, loss of other coverage, etc.).

Question 7

How does my HSA work if we're changing to a plan that isn't an HDHP?

Accepted Answer

The money already in your Health Savings Account is yours permanently — it rolls over indefinitely and can be used for qualified medical expenses at any time, tax-free. However, to make new contributions to an HSA, you must be enrolled in an IRS-qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). If your new plan doesn't qualify, your existing balance stays available, but you cannot add new funds until you're back on an eligible HDHP.

Question 8

What happens to my FSA balance when we switch plans?

Accepted Answer

Your Flexible Spending Account is administered by your employer, not the insurance carrier — so a carrier change alone does not forfeit your FSA funds. You should still have access to your remaining balance through year-end (or any grace period / run-out period your plan allows). Check with your HR team about your plan's specific rules. Important: FSA funds are generally "use it or lose it" — make sure you submit claims before your plan's deadline.

Question 9

What's the difference between an HSA and an FSA?

Accepted Answer

Both are tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare costs, but they work very differently. An HSA (Health Savings Account) is only available if you're enrolled in a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). The key advantage: HSA money is yours permanently — it rolls over every year, can be invested, and follows you to new jobs or into retirement. An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is available with most plan types, including traditional PPOs and HMOs, but is generally "use it or lose it" — unspent funds are forfeited at year-end (with some employers allowing a small carryover up to $660, or a 2.5-month grace period). You generally cannot have both an HSA and a regular Health FSA at the same time; however, a Limited-Purpose FSA (dental and vision only) can be paired with an HSA.

Question 10

Can I have both an HSA and a Dependent Care FSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is a combination many families overlook. A Dependent Care FSA covers child care or elder care costs (daycare, preschool, after-school programs, nanny expenses) so you can work. It covers a completely different category of expenses than a Health FSA or HSA. You can contribute to both a Dependent Care FSA and an HSA in the same plan year without conflict. The 2026 Dependent Care FSA limit is $7,500 for most filers.

Question 11

How much can I contribute to my HSA or FSA in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For 2026: HSA limits are $4,400 for individual coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, with an additional $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older. Health FSA limit is $3,400. Dependent Care FSA limit is $7,500 (for single filers or married filing jointly; $3,750 if married filing separately). HSA contributions can be changed anytime during the year. FSA elections are generally locked in at open enrollment and can only be changed with a qualifying life event.

Question 12

Why did my premium go up at renewal?

Accepted Answer

Renewal rates are based on your group's claims experience over the prior 12 months, plus medical trend (the industry-wide rate of healthcare cost increases). California groups have seen average renewal increases in the 7–12% range in recent years, driven primarily by prescription drug costs and utilization. A higher-than-expected renewal often signals the group had a high-cost claim year. Blue Ocean Benefits benchmarks your renewal against the market and negotiates alternatives when the rate isn't competitive.

Question 13

Should I stay on my current plan or switch to a different option?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you use your benefits. If you and your family are generally healthy and rarely meet your deductible, a higher-deductible/lower-premium plan often saves money. If you have regular specialist visits, ongoing prescriptions, or a planned procedure in the new plan year, a lower-deductible plan may cost less overall even with a higher monthly premium. Blue Ocean Benefits can model out your actual expected cost under each plan option based on your usage — just ask before enrollment closes.

Renewal & Open Enrollment: Your Top Questions Answered

Answers, without the fine-print runaround.

HSA vs. FSA vs. Dependent Care FSA — Full Guide

Talk to a human on your open enrollment team.

Renewal & Open Enrollment: Your Top Questions Answered

Answers, without the fine-print runaround.

Q1If we switch carriers mid-year, does my calendar year deductible start over?

Q2What about my out-of-pocket maximum — does that carry over too?

Q3When does my new coverage start, and will there be a gap?

Q4Will my current doctors be in-network under the new plan?

Q5I'm currently in the middle of treatment. What happens when we switch carriers?

Q6Can I add or remove dependents during open enrollment even if I missed it before?

Q7How does my HSA work if we're changing to a plan that isn't an HDHP?

Q8What happens to my FSA balance when we switch plans?

Q9What's the difference between an HSA and an FSA?

Q10Can I have both an HSA and a Dependent Care FSA?

Q11How much can I contribute to my HSA or FSA in 2026?

Q12Why did my premium go up at renewal?

Q13Should I stay on my current plan or switch to a different option?

HSA vs. FSA vs. Dependent Care FSA — Full Guide

Talk to a human on your open enrollment team.