Open enrollment season is officially in full swing, and millions of Americans are about to make one of the most expensive decisions of their year — often in under 20 minutes, on a phone, between other tasks.
That rushed choice has real consequences.
Health insurance premiums are projected to rise again for 2025, with some employers passing along increases that land between 5% and 10% for workers.
Choosing the wrong plan, or simply defaulting to last year's, can quietly cost you hundreds or even thousands over 12 months.
Here's a practical checklist so you don't leave money on the table. **1.
Confirm your dates.** Most employer plans run open enrollment in late October through mid-November, but the federal marketplace window for ACA coverage starts November 1 and runs through January 15 in most states.
Miss the deadline and you generally can't enroll until next year unless you have a qualifying life event. **2.
Compare total costs, not just premiums.** A low monthly premium means nothing if the deductible is $8,000 and you're managing a chronic condition.
Add up the premium, deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum for your realistic yearly usage.
Check whether your doctors and medications are still covered.** Networks change every year.
A plan that covered your cardiologist in 2024 may not in 2025.
Look up each provider and every prescription by name and dosage before you commit. **4.
Use your FSA or HSA strategically.** If you have a Health Savings Account, it rolls over and can be invested — a rare triple tax advantage.
A Flexible Spending Account usually doesn't roll over, so only set aside what you'll genuinely spend. **5.
Don't forget dental, vision and life.** These often require separate elections during the same window.
Skipping them because you're focused on medical is one of the most common and costly oversights. **6.
Run the math on a spouse's plan.** If both partners have employer coverage, it's worth comparing whether one family plan beats two individual plans.
The difference can be several thousand dollars a year. **7.
Watch for scam sites.** Fake enrollment portals spike every fall, often mimicking healthcare.gov.
Type the URL directly rather than clicking links in texts or emails.
No legitimate plan will ask for payment via gift card or wire transfer. **8.
Recheck your income estimate for subsidies.** If you receive ACA premium tax credits, an outdated income figure can trigger a surprise bill at tax time.
A few hours of careful comparison now can matter more than most people's entire annual raise.
The system is designed to reward attention and punish autopilot.
Our take: treat open enrollment like a negotiation, not a formality.
Final Thoughts
The plan you had last year isn't automatically the best one for the year ahead, and insurers are counting on you not to look.