A guide to Open Enrollment for health insurance

The Open Enrollment period is your once-a-year opportunity to choose, or change, your health insurance plan. For most people, it takes place every fall, though exact dates depend on your type of insurance. For this article, we’ll be discussing the Open Enrollment period for ACA individual health plans. Whether you’re buying insurance for the first time or reevaluating your current plan, preparation makes all the difference.

In this article, we’ll go over upcoming changes for Open Enrollment and provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it with confidence.

In this blog post, you’ll learn:

• The window of time to sign up for coverage.
• What to consider when reviewing your insurance options.
• Which major life events qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP).

What’s new for Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage?

This year brings significant changes that could impact your coverage, costs, and deadlines. Before we walk through the steps to enroll, it’s important to understand these updates so you can make informed choices and avoid surprises.

Step-by-step guide to Open Enrollment

Now that you know what’s new for 2026, let’s break down the process into eight clear, actionable steps to guide you through the Open Enrollment period with ease.

1. Gather your key information

The first step is the easiest. Before you start comparing health plans, have the basics on hand to make the enrollment process smoother.

 Have the following information ready:

• Personal details: Name, ZIP code, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.
• Income details: W-2s, pay stubs, or tax info to determine eligibility for subsidies. If you have an affordable ICHRA allowance, you won’t be eligible for any premium tax credits.
• Current health plan info: If you already have coverage, be sure to review your current plan details.
• Medical records: Be prepared to list any current prescription drugs, pre-existing conditions, and preferred providers to narrow your plan search.

2. Assess your healthcare needs

Think about what the next year might look like for you and your family. This will guide you toward a plan that matches your real usage, not just the cheapest option on paper.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you usually only need preventive care?
• Do you manage a chronic condition?
• How often do you visit the doctor or need prescription drugs?

3. Check your providers

If you have a preferred doctor or rely on a specialist, make sure they’re in-network. Seeing out-of-network providers usually means higher bills. Choosing a plan that keeps your providers accessible saves you stress and unexpected costs.

Review:

• Your typical number of doctor visits.
• Any ongoing medical needs.
• Prescriptions you depend on.

4. Learn key insurance terms

Health insurance coverage comes with its own vocabulary. Learning the lingo is essential to making well-informed choices about your health plan.

Some common health insurance terms include:

• Deductible: What you pay out-of-pocket for medical care before insurance kicks in.
• Coinsurance: The percentage of medical costs you share with your insurer after hitting your deductible.
• Copayment (copay): A set fee for certain services.
• HMO: Requires referrals and an in-network primary care doctor.
• PPO: Flexible, but lower costs in-network. These plans tend to have higher premiums than HMOs.
• POS: A mix of HMO and PPO rules.
• EPO: Coverage only in-network (except emergencies).

5. Compare plans beyond the health insurance premium

When evaluating your health insurance options, consider more than just the monthly premium.

Look at:

• Deductibles.
• Copays and coinsurance.
• Provider networks.

Also, familiarize yourself with the metal tiers on the marketplace:

• Bronze: Lowest monthly premiums, but the highest out-of-pocket costs.
• Silver: Moderate monthly premiums and cost-sharing.
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums, but lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Platinum: Highest monthly premiums, but lowest out-of-pocket costs.

All marketplace plans cover essential health benefits. But if your employer offers an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement  (ICHRA), make sure your plan meets minimum essential coverage (MEC) standards. Marketplace plans always do, but off-market plans may not.

6. Enroll with Remodel Health

If your employer uses Remodel Health as their ICHRA administrator, our platform makes Open Enrollment simple. You can compare coverage options side by side, apply health insurance subsidies, and complete enrollment in one place. Plus, you can take advantage of off-exchange health plans.

7. Know about special enrollment periods (SEPs)

Missed the initial enrollment period? You might still have options available.

You may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) if you experience one of these life events:

• Loss of health coverage.
• Change in household.
• Change in residence.
• Access to a new health benefit.

8. After the Open Enrollment period

Congratulations, you’re covered! But don’t stop there. Review your health insurance plan annually to make sure it still meets your needs and budget. Keep copies of your enrollment forms and communications with your insurance provider. And if your employer offers an ICHRA, remember you may need to provide proof of coverage.

Conclusion

Open Enrollment is the annual period during which you can enroll in or change your health insurance coverage. By gathering your documentation early, assessing your healthcare needs, confirming your providers, understanding insurance terms, and carefully comparing plans, you can make informed choices that protect both your health and your finances.

This blog post was originally published on October 24, 2024. It was last updated on October 9, 2025.

1. https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/