October 9, 2025 ~ Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can review, compare, and enroll in health insurance coverage for the upcoming year. For many, it’s the only opportunity during the year, to make changes to a current plan or choose a new one. While the process can feel overwhelming, with the right preparation you can make confident choices that protect both your health and your wallet.
At Triage Health, we provide free tools and resources to help you navigate open enrollment with less confusion and stress.
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the designated period when individuals and families can review their coverage, compare it to new options that might be available, and decide whether to keep your current coverage or sign up for a new plan. Open Enrollment is available when you have:
- A plan that you bought through the State Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state Marketplace)
- A plan offered through employer
- Medicare coverage
Even if you like the current coverage that you have right now, it is still important to check if that same plan will be available next year, including whether the costs and coverage is the same.
3 Tips for Picking the Right Plan
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Do the Math
Don’t be swayed by low monthly premiums alone. A low monthly premium doesn’t always mean the lowest overall cost. Be sure to calculate your total annual cost:
(Monthly Premium × 12) + Out-of-Pocket Maximum = Total Annual Cost
This gives you a realistic view of what you might spend in a worst-case scenario. -
Check Your Providers
Each plan has a network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. If your providers are not in-network, you could face higher bills—or no coverage at all. Always confirm that your preferred doctors and facilities are included in the plan.
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Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Every plan has a formulary, or list of covered prescription drugs. Check to see if your medications are included and at what cost tier to avoid expensive surprises later.
Free Tools to Make Comparing Plans Easier
This Open Enrollment, take advantage of Triage Health’s free Health Insurance Comparison Calculators & Worksheets to simplify your decision-making. We also offer tools for comparing Medicare plans.
You can also use these Checklists:
- Marketplace Open Enrollment
- Medicare Open Enrollment
- Making the Most of Employee Benefits During Open Enrollment
Want a deeper dive? Watch our free webinar: Close the Knowledge Gap: Key Tips for Open Enrollment. You’ll learn strategies to simplify the process and gain confidence in choosing the right plan.
Key Takeaway
Open Enrollment doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing in advance, checking provider networks and drug coverage, and using trusted resources like those from Triage Health, you can make confident decisions that fit your needs and budget.
