What Every Smart Adult Does Before Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is that once-a-year opportunity to lock in the right health insurance coverage but most people rush through it, miss key savings, or end up overpaying for coverage they don’t need.

Smart adults? They treat it like a financial decision. Because it is.

Here’s what the most informed (and financially savvy) adults do before open enrollment begins and how you can too.

1. Review Last Year’s Health Care Usage

Before picking a plan, smart adults look back at their actual medical usage:

• How many doctor visits did you have?

• Did you hit your deductible?

• Were there surprise medical bills?

By reviewing your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and provider bills, you can see patterns that help forecast what you actually need not what a flashy insurance site says you do.

✅ Pro Tip: If you didn’t meet your deductible, you may be overinsured.

2. Compare Multiple Plans (Not Just the Default One)

Most people just stick with what they had last year. Smart adults don’t.

They shop around using tools like HealthCare.gov, private health exchanges, or employer comparison portals. They look at:

• Monthly premiums

• Deductibles

• Out-of-pocket maximums

• Copays vs. coinsurance

• In-network providers

Even a $50/month savings adds up to $600/year and that’s before potential medical costs.

3. Check the Provider Network

You don’t want to find out your doctor is out-of-network after you’ve enrolled.

Smart adults double-check that their primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospitals are still in-network for the upcoming year.

This one move can save hundreds or even thousands.

4. Factor in Prescriptions

If you take regular medications, check the formulary list of each plan to ensure your drugs are covered.

Smart adults even compare mail-order pharmacy options, generic alternatives, and look at HSA-eligible plans that cover preventative medications early.

5. Maximize HSA or FSA Opportunities

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can feel risky but they allow you to open a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers:

• Pre-tax contributions

• Tax-free growth

• Tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses

Smart adults treat HSAs like a triple-tax-advantaged investment account. FSAs are also useful just be aware of use-it-or-lose-it rules.

6. Anticipate Life Changes

Planning to have a baby? Surgery next year? Starting a business?

Smart adults don’t just plan for today, they plan for the year ahead.

If you expect higher medical use, you may want lower deductibles. If not, you may save money with a lower-premium plan and an HSA.

7. Set a Calendar Reminder — and Act Early

Open enrollment typically runs from:

• Marketplace (ACA): Nov 1 – Jan 15 (varies by state)

• Employer-sponsored plans: Often Oct–Dec

• Medicare: Oct 15 – Dec 7

Smart adults mark the start date on their calendars and act early to avoid last-minute decisions or delays.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Open Enrollment Sneak Up on You

The best way to make the most of open enrollment? Prepare. Just like smart adults do.

✅ Review your usage
✅ Shop multiple plans
✅ Check your providers and prescriptions
✅ Plan for life changes
✅ Leverage tax-advantaged accounts

Open enrollment isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a yearly opportunity to take control of your health and your wallet.