Avoid These 3 Common Open Enrollment Mistakes

For many, open enrollment season is here! It’s your opportunity to choose new health coverage, update your existing plan, or switch plans for the upcoming year.

Health insurance gives you access to care and treatment when you need it for preventive care, sick care, or for emergencies, and it protects you from catastrophic medical bills. Choosing the right health plan for you, or you and your family, is so important!

Avoid these top three common mistakes while choosing your 2025 coverage.

1. Overlooking changing health needs

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming your current plan still works for you without taking a fresh look. Life changes, and so do your health needs. Whether you’re planning to have a baby, have ongoing health concerns, or received a new diagnosis - it's important to see if your coverage fits. Review your benefits and make sure you're covered for what you need today and the upcoming year – not last year.

Make sure to check prescription drug coverage to see if your medications are still covered. Pharmacy plans often change from year to year. Also, remember to confirm that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in network.

2. Picking a plan that doesn't best fit your budget

Deciding on what health plan fits your health needs and budget can be confusing. Many focus on the monthly premium and do not factor in deductibles, copays, or other out-of-pocket expenses. A lower premium may look great on paper, but if you have a condition that requires a lot of medical attention, for example – paying a higher monthly premium might save you in the long run because you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs for things like regular doctor visits and prescription drugs.

Don’t know what terms like deductible and copay mean? Read this article to learn more: Breaking Down How Health Insurance Works (azblue.com).

3. Missing the deadline

With our hectic lives, it’s easy to forget a deadline. But missing it means you could go without coverage for the year. Set reminders, mark your calendar, and give yourself enough time to look at all your options without feeling rushed.

Open enrollment periods vary based on the health plan that fits your life. Keep these dates in mind!

• Individual and family health coverage: Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov) begins on November 1 and ends on January 15. You must sign up by December 15 for your coverage to start on January 1, 2025. If you enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15, your coverage will start on February 1.
• Employer-sponsored health insurance: The Open Enrollment window varies by employer, but many schedule Open Enrollment in the fall. If you get coverage through your work, reach out to your HR department for details.
• Medicare: Open Enrollment runs from October 15-December 7. Keep in mind, this is not a period for you to enroll in Medicare for the first time. If you already have Medicare, this is the time to review your coverage and decide whether you need to make changes like switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. For more details, visit: Medicare: When to Enroll (azblue.com).
• Medicaid: There is no specific enrollment period like other health plans. You can apply for Medicaid at any time throughout the year if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Find a plan that is right for you by avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to explore your options. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start this open enrollment season, visit: How to Choose a Health Plan: Where to Start and What to Consider  (azblue.com).