It’s that time of year again, and no, we’re not talking about holiday parties, snowmen, and eggnog. We’re talking about Open Enrollment for your health insurance plan of choice.
That’s right, it’s time to sit down, review your options, and make an informed decision about what kind of healthcare coverage you want. Let’s walk you through how to make the most of your plan—and learn how Hooray Health can help you stretch your healthcare dollars.
Open Enrollment key dates
As a condition set by the ACA legislation passed in 2010, Open Enrollment is a defined period that only runs from November 1 through January 15. Be sure to mark these key dates on your calendar.
- November 1st: Open Enrollment begins.
- December 15th: Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1st.
- January 1st: Coverage begins for those enrolled by December 15th and who have paid their first premium.
- January 15th: Open Enrollment ends.
Missing the deadline could mean waiting until the next year to make changes or get new coverage.
ACA Marketplace plan tiers explained
When you shop for coverage on the ACA Marketplace, you’ll notice that plans are grouped into “metal tiers.” These tiers—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—don’t reflect the quality of care; instead, they show how you and your plan share medical costs throughout the year.
Bronze Plan
- Lowest monthly premiums, highest potential costs when receiving care.
- Best suited for generally healthy individuals or families who don’t expect frequent medical visits. It offers essential protection for major or unexpected expenses but comes with higher deductibles and copays.
Silver Plan
- Moderate monthly premiums with balanced costs for care.
- A good middle-ground choice for those who need regular medical attention or qualify for cost-sharing reductions. Silver plans often strike the best balance between affordability and coverage value.
Gold Plan
- Higher monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs when using services.
- Ideal for people who anticipate ongoing medical needs, prefer predictable costs, and can manage higher premiums in exchange for lower deductibles and copays throughout the year.
How to match a plan to your family’s healthcare habits
Choosing the right health plan starts with understanding how your household typically uses healthcare. Think about how often you visit the doctor, whether you take regular prescriptions, and how comfortable you are with paying higher costs at the time of care versus higher premiums each month.
- For families with minimal medical needs: If you usually only visit the doctor for annual checkups or the occasional illness, a Bronze Plan may make sense. You’ll pay less each month and still have coverage if something unexpected happens.
- For families with routine care or children’s visits: A Silver Plan often works best when you need moderate, consistent care—like managing a chronic condition, regular pediatric appointments, or ongoing prescriptions.
- For families with frequent medical visits or specialty care: If you anticipate several doctor visits, tests, or treatments throughout the year, a Gold Plan can help you manage those expenses more predictably.
Take time to review past medical expenses, expected care needs, and available provider networks before deciding. Balancing your monthly budget with your comfort level for out-of-pocket costs is the key to finding the right fit for your family.
Pro-tip: Before you finalize your selection, confirm that your preferred doctors, specialists, and pharmacies are included in your plan’s network—and check if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions that could lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding health insurance costs
When comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Each cost factor affects how much you’ll actually spend throughout the year.
Key terms to know
- Premium: The amount you pay each month to keep your coverage active.
- Deductible: What you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to share costs.
- Copay: A flat fee for specific services, such as doctor visits or prescriptions.
- Coinsurance: The percentage you pay for covered services after meeting your deductible.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay for covered care in a year—after that, your insurance pays 100%.
Quick tips for evaluating costs
- Add up all potential expenses, i.e., premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Check your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum—for 2026 ACA Marketplace plans, it’s capped at $21,200 per family.
- Remember that a lower premium often means higher costs when you need care, and vice versa.
- If you have a chronic condition or use ongoing prescriptions, consider a plan with a lower deductible to save in the long run.
- Review the network list to make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered.
- Look for added benefits like dental, vision, or telehealth—they can increase overall value.
Pro-tip: Use an online comparison tool or marketplace calculator to estimate your total yearly spending. Sometimes, paying a slightly higher premium each month can reduce surprise bills later.
How supplemental insurance can help you save
Even the best health insurance plans don’t cover every expense right away. Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance can still add up—especially for routine or urgent visits. That’s where a supplemental plan like Hooray Health can help.
What Hooray Health offers
- Flat, predictable visit fees—no surprises at checkout.
- Affordable access to urgent care, primary care, and telemedicine through a large national network.
- No deductible to meet before benefits begin.
- Simple “show-your-card” process—pay a fixed $25 per in-network visit.
Visit Hooray Health to explore supplemental plans that can help take your coverage to the next level.
Example: Urgent care savings
A typical urgent care visit for a sinus infection costs about $142 without supplemental coverage.
Here’s how that same visit compares:
With Hooray Health, you simply show your member card at check-in and pay a flat $25 fee for covered in-network services. It’s a simple way to manage everyday healthcare costs and avoid surprise bills.
Pro-tip: Supplemental plans like Hooray Health don’t replace your primary insurance—they enhance it. Pairing the two can help bridge gaps in coverage and keep out-of-pocket costs predictable all year long.
Tools and tips to maximize value during Open Enrollment
Use these quick checks and online tools to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs—and your budget.
Before you enroll
- Compare plans side by side: Review premiums, deductibles, and coverage levels using healthcare.gov or your state marketplace.
- Check network coverage: Confirm that your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals are included.
- Estimate your total yearly cost: Add premiums, deductibles, and expected visit costs—not just monthly payments.
- Review prescription coverage: Make sure your regular medications are on the plan’s formulary list.
While shopping for plans
- Look for added benefits like dental, vision, wellness programs, and telehealth options—they can save money in the long run.
- Check eligibility for cost-sharing reductions or premium tax credits based on your household income.
- Consider supplemental protection like Hooray Health to offset copays and deductible expenses.
After you enroll
- Set reminders for payment deadlines and coverage start dates.
- Create an online account with your insurer to track claims and benefits.
- Review your plan annually—your healthcare needs and income may change.
Pro-tip: Even if you’re happy with your current plan, new options and cost-saving programs become available each year during Open Enrollment. Reviewing your choices annually ensures you’re still getting the best value.
How to Enroll
Enrolling in a health plan—and adding supplemental coverage like Hooray Health—is simple once you know the key steps and deadlines.
Step 1: Visit the ACA Marketplace
- Go to healthcare.gov or your state’s health insurance marketplace.
- Review available plans, coverage details, and estimated costs based on your income and household size.
Step 2: Compare and select your plan
- Look at several plan options side by side to find the right fit for your family’s needs.
- Use the filters to view plan tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and see which include your preferred providers.
Step 3: Submit your application
- Complete your application online and provide any requested documents, such as proof of income.
- Confirm your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.
Tip: The Marketplace provides a checklist of all the information you’ll need on hand to complete your application.
Step 4: Pay your first premium
- Make your first payment by the insurer’s deadline to activate coverage.
- Coverage for plans selected by December 15 typically begins January 1.
Step 5: Add Hooray Health supplemental coverage
- Consider adding a Hooray Health plan for everyday savings.
- It’s a simple way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for urgent care, primary care, and telemedicine visits.
Pro-tip: Keep copies of your enrollment confirmation, payment receipts, and plan documents. Having these on hand makes it easier to verify coverage details or resolve billing questions later.
Frequently asked questions
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the annual period when you can sign up for health insurance, switch plans, or update your information through the ACA Marketplace. For 2026 coverage, it runs from November 1 to January 15.
Can I keep my doctor with a new ACA plan?
Yes—if your doctor is in-network with the plan you select. Always check your plan’s provider directory before enrolling to avoid surprise out-of-network costs.
What if I miss the Open Enrollment deadline?
Don’t miss the deadline. If you do, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a major life event like marriage, birth, or job loss.
How do cost-sharing reductions work?
If you qualify based on your household income, cost-sharing reductions can lower your deductible, copays, and coinsurance—but they only apply to Silver-tier plans.
Is Hooray Health the same as a major medical plan?
No. Hooray Health is a supplemental plan designed to work alongside a primary ACA plan. It helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for common services like urgent care, primary care, and telehealth.
Can I enroll in Hooray Health separately?
Yes, you can add Hooray Health coverage at any time. It doesn’t replace your main insurance—it provides an extra layer of affordability for everyday care.
When does my new coverage start?
If you enroll and pay your first premium by December 15, your coverage typically starts January 1. Enrollments completed after December 15 begin the following month.
Where can I compare ACA Marketplace plans?
Visit healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace to review plan options, costs, and provider networks side by side.
Make the most of Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your healthcare options, make changes, and ensure your family is protected for the year ahead.
Remember to:
- Review your coverage needs and compare ACA Marketplace plans.
- Check provider networks, prescription lists, and total yearly costs.
- Enroll by January 15 to secure coverage for 2026.
- Consider adding Hooray Health supplemental coverage to lower out-of-pocket costs for routine and urgent care.
With healthcare costs expected to rise in 2026, choosing the right plan now can help you manage expenses and stay covered with confidence. Smart planning today means peace of mind tomorrow.
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