(BPT) - Open enrollment is here, which means it's time to review your health coverage options for 2026 and make changes if you need to. With a little prep, choosing a plan through Medicare, your employer or the Affordable Care Act Marketplace doesn't have to be stressful.
"Health insurance jargon can be confusing, but the details matter," said Cindy George, MPH, senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. "Taking a little time to understand how premiums, deductibles, networks and medication coverage work for you can help you save money and land a plan that fits your needs."
If you're ready to shop smart, start with George's five expert tips:
Keep your information current
If you use the ACA Marketplace or programs like Medicaid, CHIP or Medicare's Extra Help, update your income and household details each year during open enrollment. This can change what you qualify for and how much you save.
If you have an employer plan, make sure your dependents and beneficiaries are correct and report life changes like marriage, a new baby or a move, so your coverage stays up to date.
Check your medication coverage
Don't assume your prescription coverage will be the same as last year. Plans often update which medicines they cover and how much you'll pay. If you have Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, double-check that your prescriptions are still covered. A quick review now can prevent costly surprises.
"Put your most important prescriptions at the center of your plan search," says George. "If a plan doesn't cover medication you need or moves it to a higher price level, you can check the GoodRx cash price. In many cases, that price may be much lower than your insurance copay."
Think beyond insurance
Insurance alone may not provide the medication coverage you need. GoodRx research shows that plans can exclude some medications entirely or add restrictions like prior authorization. It often helps to compare your copay with prices available outside of insurance. For example, resources like GoodRx let you compare cash prices and savings options for both brand name and generic medications. GoodRx is not insurance, but it can often beat your copay price, so it may be worth factoring that into your plan choice and overall budget.
Don't auto-renew without reviewing
Insurance coverage shouldn't be a set-it-and-forget-it process. Because costs and coverage shift every year, it pays to shop around. Letting your plan roll over without a second look could mean missing out on better coverage or lower costs.
"Even if you like your current plan, compare before you renew," George says. "Check the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and whether your regular doctors and medicines are covered to avoid surprises next year."
Use comparison tools like a pro
Free tools can make plan shopping faster and clearer during open enrollment. Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D options, HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to review ACA plans and see your estimated savings, and GoodRx to cross-check prescription prices so you can better estimate your total yearly costs.
"Don't wait until the end of the open enrollment period," George said. "Start now, understand your options and choose a plan with confidence."
Ready to get started? Visit GoodRx.com to find resources to help you navigate open enrollment and explore savings on prescription medications.
