Open Enrollment Period starts in November for most, but some states begin as early as October. By preparing ahead of time, you can avoid last-minute stress, make confident choices, and ensure your coverage truly fits your needs. Here are a few simple steps to get you started.
STEP 1: REVIEW YOUR CURRENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN AND NEEDS
Before you decide on next year’s coverage, review your current plan closely and determine what is working and what is not. Ask yourself:
- Does it include your preferred doctors and hospitals?
- Are your prescriptions covered at an affordable cost?
- Have your health needs changed since last year?
Understanding your current coverage helps you decide whether to keep your plan or explore new options.
STEP 2: REVIEW YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS FROM THE PAST YEAR
When you’re in the thick of doctor appointments, filling prescriptions, and prioritizing healthy choices, it can be overwhelming to know how much you’re actually spending. In addition to adding up your medical costs from the last year, take a look at your:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles and copays
- Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions
- Specialist or hospital bills
Seeing your total annual cost—not just your premium—makes it easier to compare plans and see if a different option could save you money.
STEP 3: BUDGET FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Your health plan should fit your medical needs and your budget for the upcoming year. If you know you’re going to have a big life change coming up, like getting married or having a baby, take into account how your budget may shift.
Determine how much you can afford to pay each month in premiums as well as out-of-pocket costs such as copays and coinsurance. For example, if you typically don’t have too many health concerns and you’d like to pay less per month, going with a high deductible health plan may be a good option. Plans like these typically have lower monthly premiums and higher deductibles.
STEP 4: GATHER DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT
You don’t need many documents to purchase a new insurance plan, but it is important to come prepared. Collect your tax and income documents to find out if you’re eligible for savings on health insurance.
HOW YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTH INSURANCE SAVINGS
If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you may be eligible for savings on a Marketplace plan. Verifying your income with a tax return and paystubs will help you understand your options.
Two programs can help reduce your costs if you meet certain income requirements.
Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) lowers your monthly premium. To apply, you estimate your income for the next year. If you qualify, you can use the amount of the credit in advance to lower your monthly premiums.
Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) is a discount that lowers the amount you have to pay for out-of-pocket expenses including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Eligible people must be enrolled in a Silver Marketplace plan to qualify.
You’ll need your most recent tax and income information to find out if you qualify for either discount. Use this online tool to get an estimate of your potential savings.
Learn more about health insurance savings and eligibility.
STEP 5: KNOW THE DATES AND DEADLINES FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT
Open enrollment dates are different for each state, but in most states, it runs from November 1 through mid-December. Here are the dates you need to know for families and individuals in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho:
Utah
Open enrollment: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
- Enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage starting January 1, 2026
- Enroll December 16, 2025–January 15, 2026, for coverage starting February 1, 2026
Colorado
Open enrollment: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
- Enroll by December 15, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026
- Enroll December 16, 2025–January 15, 2026, for coverage starting February 1, 2026
Nevada
Open enrollment: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
- Enroll by December 31, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026
- Enroll January 1–January 15, 2026, for coverage starting February 1, 2026
Idaho
Open enrollment: October 15–December 15, 2025
Enroll by December 15, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026
During these time periods, you can enroll in a new health insurance plan, renew your current coverage, or make changes to your plan.
Missing the deadline means you’ll need to wait until next year—unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Mark your calendar so you don’t lose your chance to make changes that could save you money and give you better coverage.
ENROLL IN A HEALTH PLAN
Select Health offers medical plans in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. Our team can help you compare plans, understand costs, and find coverage that works for you. Enrolling in the right plan now means peace of mind all year—knowing you’re covered when you need care.
Visit selecthealth.org/plans to view plan options and start your application or call 855-442-0220 for personalized help.