Compare Plans During Open Enrollment
Don’t auto-renew your current plan without checking what else is available. Premiums, networks, and deductibles change every year, and a plan that made sense last year may not be the best value now.
Check What Your Employer Offers
If you have access to employer-sponsored coverage, compare it closely against marketplace options. Many employers cover a meaningful portion of the premium, and group plans often come with lower rates than individual coverage.
Look Into Subsidies and Tax Credits
Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions through the health insurance marketplace. It’s worth checking eligibility even if you assumed you wouldn’t qualify.
Use an HSA or FSA
A Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, which can meaningfully lower your effective healthcare costs over the year — especially when paired with a high-deductible plan.
Stay In-Network
Out-of-network care can cost significantly more, even for routine visits. Before scheduling an appointment or procedure, confirm the provider is in your plan’s network.
Prioritize Preventive Care
Most plans cover preventive services — annual checkups, screenings, vaccinations — at no additional cost. Using them can catch issues early, before they become expensive to treat.
Ask About Generic Medications
Generic drugs are typically far cheaper than brand-name equivalents and contain the same active ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic option is available before filling a prescription.
Review Your Plan Annually With an Agent
Your health needs change, and so do plan options. A quick annual review can catch a better-fit plan, a missed discount, or a subsidy you didn’t know you qualified for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to go without health insurance to save money?
No — going uninsured exposes you to the full cost of any accident or illness, which can far exceed years of premiums. If cost is a concern, look into subsidized marketplace plans or short-term coverage instead of dropping coverage entirely.
When is open enrollment for health insurance?
Open enrollment windows vary by state and plan type. Marketplace open enrollment typically runs in the fall — check current dates for your state or ask your agent.
Can I change health plans outside of open enrollment?
Only if you qualify for a special enrollment period, usually triggered by a major life event like marriage, job loss, or the birth of a child.
What's the difference between an HSA and an FSA?
An HSA rolls over year to year and stays with you if you change jobs, but requires a high-deductible plan. An FSA is employer-owned, often has a use-it-or-lose-it rule, and isn’t tied to a specific plan type.
About the Author
Lennon Sealey is President of Nucleus Insurance Agency and has 28 years of insurance industry experience. Nucleus provides specialized insurance solutions for sober living homes and recovery residences, including General Liability, Professional Liability, Abuse and Molestation, Property, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Excess Liability coverage.
This article provides general insurance information. Coverage, eligibility, requirements, and exclusions vary by carrier, policy, location, and individual risk.