Affordable
Insurance Plans

Health Insurance Guide

Your Open Enrollment Checklist

A little prep makes Open Enrollment easy. Here is a checklist of what to gather and review before you choose a plan.

By Affordable Insurance PlansReviewed by licensed agents (NPN 21004595)Updated July 1, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Gather income, household, doctors, and prescriptions first.
  • Do not blindly auto-renew — plans change yearly.
  • A licensed agent reviews your options free.

Gather your basics

Before you shop, pull together the information that determines your options and price.

  • Estimated household income for the coming year
  • Everyone in your household who needs coverage
  • Your preferred doctors and hospitals
  • Your current prescriptions

Review before you renew

Do not just auto-renew last year’s plan. Premiums, networks, and drug formularies change every year, and your old plan may no longer be the best value, especially after the 2026 subsidy changes. Compare before you commit.

Get a second set of eyes

A licensed agent reviews your options for free, checks that your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and confirms whether you still qualify for a subsidy, so you head into the new year on the right plan.

Want this checked for your situation?

A licensed agent will compare your options for free — no obligation.

Sources

This guide is general education from a licensed insurance broker, not individual advice, and not affiliated with any government agency. Rules change; confirm current details with the sources above or a licensed agent.