5 tips for choosing a health insurance plan
Many adults who have lost their job are faced with the stress of both unemployment and the added costs associated with providing their own health insurance or going without the safety net health insurance offers.
Forgoing health insurance puts you at greater risk for even higher medical expenses and financial liability whenever unexpected illness or injury occur. Health insurance offers medical and financial protection in case of a serious illness or accident. It can also help guard against financial hardship, debt and even bankruptcy.
If you don’t have health insurance through your employer, spouse, parents or another source, you can sign up for private health insurance. In the past, people with preexisting medical conditions were often denied health insurance or charged extremely high premiums. Today, you can purchase private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace regardless of your past or current health.
Tips for choosing the right Health Care Marketplace plan:
1. Don’t miss the deadline
Open enrollment is a period when the Health Insurance Marketplace accepts applications for health insurance for the following year. Open enrollment for 2026 is much shorter this year and starts November 1, 2025, and ends on December 15, 2025.
This includes responding to any verification requests by the deadline.
It’s best to choose a plan as soon as open enrollment begins, so there are no gaps in your insurance coverage. The coverage will begin January 1, 2026 if you enroll in a plan by December 15, 2025.
2. Choose a health care plan that fits your life
When choosing a health insurance plan, ask yourself:
- What are my family’s most important health care needs?
- Who is healthy and who may need more care in the coming year?
- Is anyone planning a surgery or a pregnancy?
- Am I happy with my current plan? If not, what’s missing?
- What did I spend on health insurance last year? Do I expect that amount to change next year?
- How much do I want to spend on health insurance each month?
3. Change or renew your current plan
Open enrollment is the only time of year to renew or change your current plan (without a qualifying life event). It’s the perfect time to consider what you like about your current health insurance benefits, and what – if anything – you would like to change.
Make sure you take the time to update your information.
4. See if you qualify for tax credits or subsidies
If you can’t afford to buy private health insurance on the Healthcare Marketplace, you may be hoping you qualify for tax credits or subsidies to help offset the costs of insurance.
However, unlike previous years, many people won’t receive financial help through tax credits due to federal policy changes. Though, it’s important to still fill out any government-requested information to make sure you receive the lowest monthly cost. Online tools can help you estimate plan prices based on the size of your family and your household income.
If you’re having trouble finding affordable insurance or think you can’t afford medical care, we’re here to help. View our Financial Assistance options in Illinois or Wisconsin.
5. Choose the right network
“In-network” is the term used to describe a group of health care providers that your insurance company has agreements with. When you seek in-network care, your insurance usually covers more of your fees and your overall health care costs are lower.
If you choose to go to a health care provider or hospital that is out-of-network, you’re more likely to pay higher out-of-pocket fees than you would if you stayed in network. So, staying in network – and choosing the right network – is important.
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.
