Open Enrollment 2026: What to Know Before You Choose a Health Plan

Don't Just Auto-Renew

Every year, millions of Americans auto-renew their health insurance without reviewing their options, and end up overpaying or under-covered. Here's your checklist before open enrollment closes.

Review Your Prior Year Usage

Look at how much you actually spent on healthcare last year:

How many doctor visits?
Any specialist visits or procedures?
Prescription medications?

If you rarely used your plan, a higher-deductible plan with lower premiums (and an HSA) might save you money. If you had high usage, a lower-deductible plan may be worth the higher premium.

Check Your Network

Make sure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network for the plan you're considering. Out-of-network costs can be enormous.

Compare Total Cost, Not Just Premiums

The monthly premium is just one piece. Calculate your total potential out-of-pocket costs:

Premium × 12 months
Deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in)
Out-of-pocket maximum (the most you'd ever pay in a year)

Consider an HSA-Eligible Plan

Health Savings Accounts let you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. In 2026, the HSA contribution limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families.

Work With a Broker

A licensed broker can compare plans across multiple carriers at no cost to you. They get paid by the insurance companies, not by you.