By proactively informing yourself and evaluating your current and future needs, you can ease the stress that may naturally arise from choosing a health insurance plan on or off the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace.
The following will help you have a smoother sign-up experience:
Get informed and ask questions
Before you decide to renew your health insurance plan, think about your costs and your health care needs:a
- Preference. Which doctors do you want to see? What hospitals do you prefer? If you have a primary care provider or other specialists you trust, make sure they are “in-network” or “preferred” on the insurance plan you are considering. This will keep out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
- Costs. What are your average health care costs? Get an idea of how much you usually spend each year. Make sure to factor in doctor visits and costs for prescription medications.
- Budgets. What is your budget this year? How much can you afford to pay each month for your premium? If you go with a lower premium, can you afford the added out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance?
- Savings. This year, fewer people will receive financial help through tax credits due to federal policy changes. It’s important to still fill out any government-requested information to make sure you receive the lowest monthly cost. Online tools can help you estimate plan prices and any savings.
- Future plans. Are there specific health services you need? Are you planning to have a baby or schedule a surgery? Do you have a medical condition that requires frequent doctor visits and tests?
Gather information
Ahead of filling out the health insurance application, you should gather and have the following information ready:
- The name of your employer, if applicable
- Your household income
- Social Security numbers (SSN) and date of birth for everyone being insured
- Policy and identification numbers from your current health insurance plan, if applicable
- Other personal details, such as how you file taxes
- Apply and submit your application on healthcare.gov. If you currently have a health insurance plan, review your application to update your personal information, especially if your income has changed.
- Don’t miss the December 15, 2025, sign-up deadline for coverage to begin on January 1, 2026, or sign up by January 15, 2026, for coverage to begin February 1, 2026. This includes responding to any verification requests.
Find more information about Health Care Marketplace Open Enrollment
