Open enrollment season begins as health insurance costs keep rising

Employees who have a choice in employer-sponsored health insurance embark on an annual ritual at this time of year -- weighing whether to stay with the same plan or move to another, perhaps less costly one.

For many, however, the process, known as open enrollment, has turned into an effort in futility. Costs continue to rise and there are few, if any, new options to help employers or employees keep premium increases in check.