How to choose the right health plan for you and your family now

If you won't have health coverage through your job, Medicaid, or Medicare next year, you'll likely need an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plan. To ensure you have health coverage beginning January 1, 2026, you need to select a plan soon. Healthcare costs are high, and many household budgets are tight. However, one fact remains the same, having a health benefit plan is financially safer than going without health insurance.

Selecting a health plan may feel like a daunting task right now, but Wellpoint can help you choose the right plan. Wellpoint cares for the whole health of more than two million Americans, and is part of the Elevance Health family of companies, serving nearly 46 million people nationwide.

Preventive care is still available at no extra cost

It's important to remember ACA health plans cover preventive healthcare—such as mammograms, colonoscopies, regular check-ups, vaccinations and other important services—at no extra cost to consumers. Chronic health conditions that negatively impact quality of life and significantly increase healthcare costs can often be prevented or managed through early detection screenings.

While the enhanced premium tax credit subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025, many may still qualify for financial assistance. Visit Wellpoint.com/stay-informed to find out if you qualify for financial assistance.

The high cost of no benefits

Forgoing healthcare coverage might seem like a cost-effective alternative, however out-of-pocket costs and unexpected hospitalizations add up quickly. Uninsured individuals often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care, which can lead to medical debt and other forms of financial instability. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 82% of uninsured adults under age 65 are much more likely to say affording healthcare is difficult compared to just 44% of those with health insurance coverage.

Next steps

Wellpoint offers decades of experience and knowledgeable support to help people create a path to better health and wellness. We can be a resource to help you through this process, regardless of what health plan you eventually choose.

Here are five key considerations to help you narrow down the right health plan.

• Assess household needs. Do you primarily need preventive care, or do you or your family have ongoing medical conditions?
• Check the provider network. Make sure your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals are included in the health plan.
• Compare expenses. Estimate healthcare expenses, including out-of-pocket expenses, and determine what's comfortable within your budget.
• Review the drug list. Do you take regular medication? If so, make sure they're included in the health plan.
• Consider what matters. Since each health plan offers different incentives and benefits, it's important to think about what matters most – such as customer service, telehealth services, or health and wellness programs.

Open Enrollment typically runs through January 15 annually, but actual dates can vary by state. Get ahead of the new year by understanding the exact deadlines and different health plan options in your state. Visit Wellpoint.com to easily compare the available plans as you determine what will work best for you and your budget.