Tips for a smooth health insurance enrollment

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 health care needs:

• 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. Do you qualify for savings? Find out if you are eligible.
• 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 sign-up deadline for coverage to begin on January 1, 2025.

Find more information about Health Care Marketplace Open Enrollment: Illinois | Wisconsin.

Maureen Centeno is a managed health engagement specialist at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care.