The Biggest Mistakes People Make During Open Enrollment – and How to Avoid Them

Open enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to secure the right health coverage, but one wrong move could cost you dearly. From financial setbacks to insufficient healthcare access, making mistakes during this critical period can have long-lasting effects. Whether it’s overlooking key details or rushing through your options, poor decisions can leave you stuck with a plan that doesn’t meet your needs—or paying far more than you should.

That’s why it’s essential to approach open enrollment with careful planning and a clear understanding of what to avoid. By learning from the most common pitfalls, you can sidestep costly errors and choose a plan that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and healthcare needs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the biggest mistakes people make during open enrollment—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. From failing to review your current plan to missing out on valuable benefits, we’ll cover the traps to watch out for and provide actionable tips to ensure you make the best decision for the year ahead.

Mistake 1: Assuming Your Current Plan Is Still the Best Option

It’s easy to stick with the same plan year after year, but that can be a costly mistake. Insurance providers often adjust premiums, deductibles, copays, and covered services annually. What worked for you last year may no longer be the most cost-effective or suitable option.

How to Avoid: Take the time to review your current plan’s details alongside the new options available during open enrollment. Look for changes in premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and provider networks to ensure your plan still meets your needs and budget.

Mistake 2: Focusing Only on Monthly Premiums

While a low monthly premium might seem attractive, it can be deceiving. Plans with lower premiums often come with higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, meaning you could end up paying more in the long run if you need frequent care.

How to Avoid: Look beyond the premium and calculate the total cost of each plan. Factor in the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum to get a clearer picture of the overall financial impact.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Out-of-Network Costs

Out-of-network charges can be a hidden expense that catches many people off guard. If your current doctor or specialist isn’t in-network for your chosen plan, you could face significantly higher costs for care.

How to Avoid: Use your insurance provider’s network directory to confirm that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the plan’s network.

Mistake 4: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Procrastination during open enrollment can lead to rushed decisions, overlooked details, and even missed opportunities to choose the best plan.

How to Avoid: Set a reminder for the open enrollment deadline and start researching your options early. Allow yourself plenty of time to compare plans and ask questions if needed.

Mistake 5: Not Confirming Enrollment

It’s not enough to select a plan; you must complete and confirm your enrollment. Many people assume they’re covered only to discover later that their application wasn’t finalized.

How to Avoid: After submitting your application, double-check your enrollment status with your insurer or employer to ensure it’s been processed and approved.

Mistake 6: Choosing the Wrong Plan Type

Not all health insurance plans are created equal. Failing to understand the differences between plan types—like HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs—can leave you frustrated with unexpected restrictions or costs.

How to Avoid: Learn the basics of each plan type. For example, HMOs often have lower premiums but require you to stay in-network and get referrals for specialists, while PPOs provide more flexibility but come at a higher cost. Choose the plan that best suits your healthcare habits and preferences.

Mistake 7: Forgetting to Account for Upcoming Healthcare Needs

Choosing a plan based solely on your current health status can backfire if you anticipate changes like a new prescription, surgery, or a major life event.

How to Avoid: Consider your healthcare needs for the upcoming year. If you’re planning a family, have a chronic condition, or anticipate other medical expenses, select a plan that offers comprehensive coverage for those needs.

Mistake 8: Overlooking Preventive and Wellness Perks

Many people focus solely on essential medical coverage and overlook valuable extras like free screenings, mental health support, or gym membership discounts. These benefits can improve your well-being and save money.

How to Avoid: Read through the additional perks each plan offers and make use of benefits like preventive care, wellness programs, or telehealth services. These extras can make a significant difference in your overall healthcare experience.

Mistake 9: Skipping Professional Advice or Assistance

Health insurance can be complex, and trying to figure it out on your own can lead to mistakes. Licensed brokers, HR representatives, and marketplace navigators exist to help you make informed decisions.

How to Avoid: Don’t hesitate to seek help. A professional can answer questions, compare plans, and ensure you’re choosing the best option for your unique situation.

Mistake 10: Not Using Online Tools and Resources

Many people miss out on valuable online tools that simplify plan comparisons and cost calculations.

How to Avoid: Use comparison websites, premium calculators, and insurer-provided tools to evaluate your options. These resources can save time and help you make a confident decision.

Conclusion

Open enrollment is a pivotal time for selecting the right health insurance plan, and making the wrong choice can have significant financial and healthcare consequences. The biggest mistakes—like assuming your current plan is still the best, focusing only on premiums, or failing to confirm your enrollment—are all avoidable with careful attention. By proactively reviewing your current coverage, considering the full range of costs, understanding your healthcare needs, and leveraging available resources, you can ensure that you select the plan that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Remember, health insurance isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision. It’s about choosing the right coverage for the upcoming year, so take the time to thoroughly research your options, compare plans, and seek professional help if needed. Planning ahead can save you money, prevent unnecessary stress, and ensure that you’re fully covered for any healthcare needs that arise.

With the open enrollment deadline approaching, don’t wait until the last minute to make decisions. Take control of your health insurance options today, and avoid the costly mistakes that many people make during this critical period.