Open Enrollment is around the corner. What should I do to prepare?
8/7/2026
With Open Enrollment approaching, preparing in advance is the best way to ensure you have the right coverage at the right price for the coming year. The following checklist will help you navigate the process with confidence.
🗓️ Step 1: Know the Key Dates
Mark your calendar. Missing these windows could leave you without coverage for 2027. The deadlines are different for Marketplace and Medicare plans.
ACA/Marketplace Plans | November 1 – January 15
In most states, you must enroll during this window. There is no longer a year-round enrollment option for low-income individuals
Medicare Advantage/Part D | October 15 – December 7
Changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027
Changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027.
📝 Step 2: Build Your Personal Profile
Your health and financial situation from last year may have changed. Gathering this information now will make comparing plans much easier.
List your healthcare needs: Write down your regular prescriptions (names, dosages, and frequencies), the doctors and specialists you see, and any expected care for the coming year, such as surgeries or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions.
Gather financial documents: To verify your eligibility for subsidies (like premium tax credits), you'll need documents that show your household income. These can include tax returns (Form 1040), pay stubs, W-2s, Social Security benefits letters, or unemployment benefits letters.
🔎 Step 3: Review Your Plan, Don't Just Renew
Many people stick with their current plan out of habit, but plans change every year. It pays to shop around and compare all options.
Look beyond the monthly premium: The lowest premium isn't always the best deal. Pay close attention to the deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Check your network and drug list: Provider networks and prescription drug formularies often change. Verify that your preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are still in-network and that your medications are still covered at a reasonable cost.
Use the "SMART" approach: A helpful way to remember what to review is the SMART method: Shop around, Match your needs, Assess your options, Rely on an expert for advice, and Time your decision well.
⚠️ Step 4: Watch for Key 2026 Cost Changes
A major factor this year is the potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. If Congress does not extend them, your monthly premiums could increase significantly.
Bigger average increases: Insurers are already increasing what they charge for benchmark plans by an average of 26%. Combined with potential subsidy expirations, your out-of-pocket premium could rise by more than 114%.
Prepare for higher costs: The maximum out-of-pocket limit for individuals will also increase to $10,600 in 2026. Be prepared for these changes when you start comparing plans.
🙋 Step 5: Get Free, Expert Help
If you feel overwhelmed, you don't have to navigate this alone. Free help is available from unbiased sources.
Marketplace plans: You can get help through the official Marketplace website or app. Many states also have their own resources.
Medicare plans: Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, personalized counseling. You can also use the official Medicare Plan Finder or call 1-800-MEDICARE.