Open Enrollment: Review Your Health Coverage for the Year Ahead

Open enrollment is underway, giving Utah individuals and families a chance to review their health insurance and prepare for the year ahead.

Whether your healthcare needs are changing or you simply want to make sure you're getting the best value from your plan, this is a good time to compare options and choose coverage that fits your health, lifestyle, and budget.

Individuals and families can enroll from November 1 through January 15. Coverage starts on January 1, 2027 for those who enroll by December 15. Enrollment remains open through January 15, with coverage beginning February 1, 2027 for those who sign up later.

If you already have coverage, take time to review your renewal details and get ready for the months ahead.

"Open enrollment isn't just about renewing your plan," said Alex Hargrove of Select Health. "It's a chance to think about what you and your family may need from your coverage in the coming year."

Looking at the Bigger Picture

One of the most important parts of open enrollment is thinking through how you expect to use healthcare in the coming year.

For some people, that may mean regular specialist visits or prescription medications. Others may be planning for surgery or want stronger access to preventive care. Because healthcare needs can change from year to year, experts encourage consumers to look beyond the monthly premium.

Instead, shoppers should compare provider networks, prescription coverage, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and available benefits.

"The best plan is the one that supports how you actually use healthcare," Hargrove said. "Taking time to compare networks, benefits, and costs can help you find a plan that’s a better fit for your healthcare needs and your budget."

When comparing plans, it can help to look for benefits that encourage healthy habits, make care easier to access, and add more value to coverage. These may include wellness rewards, preventive care coverage, virtual care options, provider access, and digital tools that simplify health insurance management.

For example, Select Health offers preventive care covered at 100% on most Individual plans, virtual care options that make it easier to reach a provider from home, and Wellness Rewards that reimburse qualifying healthy activities. Together, these benefits can make it easier to stay on top of your health and get more from your coverage.

Ways to Save Money on Healthcare

For many families, affordability is one of the biggest concerns during open enrollment.

When reviewing health plan choices, it is wise to look beyond the monthly premium and seek plans that provide tools and resources to help you understand healthcare costs, including prescription expenses. Cost-estimator tools, preventive care benefits, pharmacy savings resources, and financial assistance programs can all help consumers better manage healthcare spending throughout the year.

As one example, Select Health offers resources such as a Medical Cost Estimator that gives personalized price estimates based on a member's benefits, along with pharmacy tools that help members compare prescription prices, identify possible savings, and better understand their prescription coverage.

"Healthcare costs matter to families right now," Hargrove said. "That's why we've worked to provide practical tools that give people more visibility into what they'll pay and more options to help them save. Small decisions can add up to meaningful savings throughout the year."

Consumers may also qualify for financial assistance or other coverage programs. Organizations including Take Care Utah and the Association for Utah Community Health can help people review available options and determine eligibility for programs such as Medicaid.

Coverage Still Matters When You're Healthy

Some people may think they do not need health insurance because they rarely see a doctor, but experts say it is important to consider the broader value coverage can provide.

Health plans often include preventive care, wellness resources, nurse support lines, virtual care, discounts, and other services that can help people stay healthy throughout the year. Coverage also offers financial protection if unexpected illnesses or injuries happen.

"Health insurance is about more than doctor visits," Hargrove noted. "Having coverage means you’re better prepared for the unexpected. It also gives you access to preventive care, wellness programs, and resources that can help you stay healthy."

Help Is Available

Individuals and families do not have to handle open enrollment on their own.

Licensed insurance agents, enrollment specialists, and community organizations can help people understand their options, compare plans, and find coverage that fits their needs.

Select Health encourages consumers with questions to speak with their insurance agent or contact the individual health plan team directly.

If you are unsure where to begin, ask questions and seek guidance. A conversation can help you better understand your choices and feel more confident about the decision you make for yourself and your family.

To learn more, call 855-442-0220, visit selecthealth.org, or work with a licensed insurance agent.