Most people's health insurance just auto-renews every year — same plan, same doctor, same everything, no questions asked. That's usually a mistake. Before open enrollment starts November 1, run through these four steps.
Step 1: Review Your Current Plan
Did your premium go up this year? Is your deductible still manageable? And be honest — did you actually use your insurance this year? If you're paying for coverage you never touch, or a plan that's gotten more expensive without getting better, it might be time to look around.
Step 2: Check Your Network
Are your doctors still in network? What about the hospitals closest to you? Insurance companies drop and add providers every year — sometimes mid-year — without much notice. Confirming your network before you re-enroll can save you a surprise bill later.
Step 3: Review Your Medications
Are your prescriptions still covered? Has your pharmacy cost crept up? It's also worth checking whether GoodRx would actually be cheaper than your copay — sometimes it is, and most people never check.
Step 4: Know Your Options
What "review your options" means depends on your situation. If you're on an ACA marketplace plan with subsidies, it's worth comparing plans every year — better options can show up, and your current plan isn't always still the best deal. If you're healthy and not getting a subsidy, private insurance may offer lower rates if you qualify medically. And if you're on an employer plan, check whether the cost went up this year and whether adding your family is still worth it compared to other options.
Save this checklist and run through it before November 1 — it takes fifteen minutes and it's the difference between renewing on autopilot and actually knowing you've got the right plan.
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