ACA Open Enrollment: 6 Mistakes to Avoid

Open Enrollment Is Here. Watch Out for These Common Mistakes.

ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment is underway, which means it's time to review your health insurance options for 2027.

Whether you're renewing your current coverage or shopping for something different, don't rush through the process. Plan details and your own healthcare needs can change from year to year.

Here are six mistakes to avoid before you enroll.

Mistake #1: Automatically Choosing the Cheapest Premium

The monthly premium is important, but it isn't the only number that determines your overall expenses. A plan with a low premium may have a higher deductible or require you to pay more when you receive care. Compare the plan's deductible, copayments, coinsurance, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket maximum along with the monthly premium.

Think about the total estimated cost of your healthcare over the year, not just what you'll pay each month.

Mistake #2: Assuming Your Current Plan Is Still the Best Choice

If you liked your coverage this year, keeping it may seem like the obvious choice. But don't hit the renewal button without taking another look.

Plan costs and benefits can change from year to year, and so can your healthcare needs. Even if your current plan is available for 2027, compare it with your other options before making a decision.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Check Doctors and Prescriptions

Don't assume that because your doctor or medication was covered this year, it will be covered the same way next year.

Check the provider network for the plan you're considering, and look at its prescription drug coverage. Pay particular attention if you regularly see specialists, have a preferred hospital or take ongoing medications.

Taking a few minutes to verify networks and drug lists now could help prevent unexpected medical bills next year.

Mistake #4: Using Outdated Income or Household Information

Your expected income and household information can affect the Marketplace savings for which you're eligible.

If your income has changed or you've had changes to your household, make sure your Marketplace application is accurate before you enroll. This includes reporting any changes involving other health coverage available to members of your household.

Outdated information could mean you're receiving too much or too little financial assistance.

Mistake #5: Relying on Automatic Re-Enrollment

Automatic re-enrollment can help prevent a gap in coverage, but it shouldn't replace actively reviewing your options. Even if your current plan has served you well, renewing it without careful review can lead to higher costs and different benefits.

If you already have Marketplace coverage, you may be automatically re-enrolled in the same plan or matched with another plan if you don't make a selection. However, your costs, coverage and financial assistance may be different for 2027.

Mistake #6: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Give yourself time to make a thoughtful decision.

For states using the federal Marketplace, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. But if you want your new or updated coverage to begin January 1, you generally need to enroll by December 15.

Waiting until the deadline gives you less time to investigate questions about doctors, medications, deductibles, networks, and other plan details.

And remember: once Open Enrollment ends, you generally can't enroll in or change Marketplace coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.