I am employed by a company in Massachusetts and I obtain my health
insurance through one of the group plans.  The company has over 50
employees but most of them do not work in the office.  The company
pays 50% of the least expensive plan available.  Example: HMO -
employer pays 50% and employee pays 50%.  On Monday of this week, I
was handed a package of information with insurance changes.  The
healthcare plans would be by Tufts but the rates would increase on all
plans.  The dental plan was changed completely.  The letter was dated
8/12/04 but was not handed out until 8/16 with all materials to be
returned by 8/23/04. I had previously chosen the PPO for more choice. 
There are 3 prices given: HMO, PP0 at reduced price for people not in
area/eligible for PPO, and PPO (outrageously high price for people who
choose PPO but live in area of HMO.)I inquired why there was so little
notice, and the response was "What is there to decide?"   Well, I have
an upcoming operation and an order had already been placed for me to
receive some medical equipment for home use.  I know MOST companies
will have an open enrollment of 30 days. In this case, our medical
plan stayed the same (Tufts) but went up and our dental is now out of
a Rhode Island company, and incidentally my dentist is not on it, so I
am glad I am not in the middle of an expensive procedure.  QUESTION:
Are companies required to give a specific amount of time for open
enrollment?  If so, I believe employer should allow me to get the PPO
at the reduced rate or if possible (will have to speak to my
physician) allow me to select the HMO.