Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Open enrollment for health insurance coincides with the ongoing federal government shutdown.
- Experts advise reviewing options due to rising premiums and potential plan changes.
- Key enrollment deadlines are Dec. 15 for coverage by Jan. 1, or Jan. 15 for coverage by Feb. 1.
SALT LAKE CITY — Open enrollment for health insurance is officially underway, and this year it's happening during a federal government shutdown. Whether you're covered through your employer or using the Affordable Care Act, experts say now is the time to review your options — not simply auto-renew.
"Look at your benefits. Make sure you understand what you're signing up for," said Alex Hargrove, an individual account manager at Select Health.
Hargrove said these plans change every year — from monthly costs to prescriptions — which means what worked for you before might not be the best fit for 2026.
"Your situation might be different. Maybe you've had an addition to the family — a child — or maybe you've changed jobs or something like that, or maybe now you do have a condition you didn't have the year before. So it's important to make sure that you're signing up for a plan that would help you address those conditions, but also one that works for your family," he said.
According to Mercer, employer health premiums are expected to rise about 6.5% — the biggest jump in 15 years. And for the 24 million Americans who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act, premiums are up about 26% on average, according to KFF, an independent health policy organization. Tax credits that help offset those costs are set to expire at the end of the year, which could more than double what some families pay if Congress doesn't act fast.
Hargrove said everyone should take time to compare options and double-check that their doctors and prescriptions are still covered under their plan. He also recommends looking at the total cost of care, not just the monthly premium, and paying attention to benefits you actually use, such as preventive care, virtual visits, or member discounts for wellness programs.
"Asking these questions is super important this year, more so than ever before," he said.
There are a few easy ways to save during open enrollment. Turn off auto-enroll to see if a different plan offers better value. Consider a lower-premium, higher-deductible plan if you're healthy and rarely need care. And if your plan qualifies, use a health savings account, or HSA. Contributions to an HSA are tax-free, can be invested, and roll over year to year.
Most plans cover preventive services such as checkups, vaccines, mammograms and colonoscopies at no extra cost when you use in-network providers. Virtual visits for urgent care, primary care and mental health can also help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
"This is the year not to be passive, right? You really need to be active and make sure that you understand, kind of, what's available to you," Hargrove said.
Key dates to remember
For ACA marketplace coverage, Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll for plans that begin Jan. 1, and Jan. 15 is the final day to sign up for coverage starting Feb. 1. If you get insurance through your employer, your window may be different, so check with your human resources department.
Resources
- Healthcare.gov (ACA marketplace)
- TakeCareUtah.org (free local enrollment help)
- SelectHealth.org or your plan's website (benefits, networks, prescriptions)
- Licensed insurance agents (no-cost guidance for most consumers)
