7 easy ways to prepare for the Open Enrollment Period for ACA Marketplace plans

Health insurance open enrollment for ACA plans doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these 7 smart steps to sign up for health insurance that works for you — and your budget.

The annual Open Enrollment Period is your once-a-year chance to shop for health insurance plans on the federal Health Insurance marketplace or your state-based marketplace. You can sign up for a new health insurance plan, switch your coverage or stay with your current plan. To make the process easier, follow these 7 simple steps to find a plan that fits your needs.

1. Know the key dates for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period

For 2026 coverage, the Open Enrollment Period runs November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026.1 Here’s the breakdown:

• Enroll by December 15, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026
• Enroll by January 15, 2026, for coverage starting February 1, 2026

To stay on track, jot these dates in your calendar or planner, or set reminders on your phone. Missing them could mean waiting until next year to enrollenrollThe process by which an eligible person becomes a member of an insurance plan.
Read more » unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment PeriodSpecial Enrollment PeriodA time outside the Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance if you qualify.
Read more ».¹

Get a jump on the Open Enrollment Period for ACAACAHealth care reform law with 3 goals: make health insurance more available, expand Medicaid, and lower the costs of health care.
Read more » Marketplace plans. Talk with a licensed health insurance agent by phone at (844) 301-6096, or find one in your area, and start shopping for plans before you need to decide on health insurance.

2. Review your budget

Before choosing a plan, look at all the costs you might face:

• Monthly premiumpremiumThe amount you pay for your health insurance every month.
  Read more » — the fixed amount you pay each month for coverage
• Deductible — the amount you must pay before your plan begins paying for covered services. For example, with a $500 deductibledeductibleThe amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance pays.
  Read more », you’ll pay the first $500 of covered care yourself.
• Co-pays — your share of the cost for things like prescriptions or doctor visits
• Out-of-pocket maximum — the most you could pay for covered care in a year

Understanding these numbers helps you see what healthcare may cost and choose a plan that fits your budget.

3. Make a list of your doctors and medications

Write down which doctors or specialistsspecialistsA physician specialist focuses on a specific area of medicine or a group of patients.
Read more » you see and any medications you take. Then, confirm that they’re covered by the plan you choose. Plans can change networksnetworksThe facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.
Read more » (coverage areas) and formulariesformulariesA list of prescription drugs covered by a plan offering prescription drug benefits.
Read more » (the list of medications they cover) each year, so double-check coverage before enrolling.²

For each plan you’re considering, ask yourself:

• Are your preferred doctors in-networknetworkThe facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.
  Read more »?
• Are your prescriptions covered?

Even if you stay with the same plan, checking your coverage helps make sure you’ll continue to get the care you need from the providers you trust most.

4. Consider all your health needs

Think about what kind of coverage you or your family might need. Consider your health now. But even more importantly, think about what may happen during the year. Take into account:

• Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma
• Mental health support or therapy
• Preventive care, including vaccines and check-ups
• Unexpected injuries or accidents, especially if you or a family member plays sports, is very active or travels a lot
• Sudden illnesses like the flu or infections, especially if someone in your family is very young or has a chronic condition that can affect their immune system

Choose a plan that covers your usual health needs and allows for surprises. This helps you avoid stress and extra costs.

5. Check for changes to your current plan

You may like your current plan, but coverage and costs can change each year.3 Look for:

• Premium increases
• Changes to in-network providers
• Adjustments to covered prescriptions or treatments

If your plan no longer meets your needs, the annual Open Enrollment Period is the time to switch. Doing nothing may automatically renew your plan even if it’s no longer the best fit for your needs and budget.⁴

Health insurance plans and prices can change from year to year. See what’s available in your area before choosing healthcare coverage during the Open Enrollment Period for ACA Marketplace plans.

6. Consider long-term needs and extra benefits

You might not be used to thinking a whole year ahead, but it’s important for choosing coverage. Ask yourself:

• Are you planning to start a family, get married or move?
• Do you need telehealth, wellness programs or supplemental coverage like dental, visionvisionA health benefit that at least partially covers vision care, like eye exams and glasses.
  Read more » or life insurance?

Thinking ahead helps your coverage support you now and in the future.

7. Ask for help

During the annual Open Enrollment Period, you may worry about choosing the “right” plan for you and your family. But you don’t have to do it alone. You can ask for help. One way to get help is by consulting reviews online. The federal Health Insurance Marketplace offers Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans that include star ratings based on customer experience, which can show:

• Plan quality and member satisfaction
• Common problems or service issues

If it still feels overwhelming, try talking to someone. Free assistance is available from:

• Your HR department if you have job-based coverage
• A licensed insurance brokerbrokerA trained insurance professional who can help you enroll in a health insurance plan.
  Read more » or agent
• Local Health Insurance Marketplace navigators

These resources can help you compare plans, understand benefitsbenefitsThe health care items or services covered under a health insurance plan.
Read more » and pick coverage that fits your life and budget.

By following these 7 easy steps, you’ll be ready to pick a plan before the OEPOEPThe yearly period (November 1 – January 15) when most people can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan.
Read more » deadline. Have questions or ready to enroll in a plan? Call (844) 301-6096 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physicianprimary care physicianA physician who directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for a patient.
Read more » if you need medical advice.