What to Do During Open Enrollment: A 5-Step Plan

Open enrollment can feel overwhelming, but the actual work comes down to five steps. Here is the plan.

Step 1: Review what you have now

Pull up your current plan and note the premium, deductible, out-of-pocket max, and whether it still fits how you used care this year. This is your baseline to beat — do not renew it blindly, because it may have changed for the new year.

Step 2: Update your income and household

Report changes in income, a marriage, a new baby, or a move. These affect both your subsidy and which plans are available. An outdated income estimate is the top cause of surprise costs.

Step 3: Compare plans on total cost

Look past the premium. Add premium plus expected out-of-pocket for the year, and weigh it against the coverage. If you use regular care, a higher metal tier can cost less overall.

Step 4: Verify doctors, drugs, and network

Confirm your providers are in-network and your prescriptions are covered on each plan you are considering. See in-network vs out-of-network. This single check prevents most post-enrollment regret.

Step 5: Check your subsidy, then enroll before the deadline

Run your subsidy eligibility, choose your plan, and enroll by the deadline — December 15, 2026 for a January 1 start. Need the full timeline? See the 2027 open enrollment guide or the checklist.

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