Every year, employees have the option to change their medical coverage during the annual “open enrollment” period. Open enrollment for small employers usually is the month prior to renewal date of the policy and lasts about one or two weeks. During this time employees receive plan materials, have a chance to ask questions about plan choices and enroll in a plan. They may add or drop dependents, choose a different medical plan or sign up for new plan offerings, such as an optional chiropractic plan or dental plan.