Congrats! You’ve planned ahead, selected a plan that fits your needs, and enrolled in a new health insurance plan during Open Enrollment. Now what?
For most who enroll during Open Enrollment, coverage begins 1/1/23, but there are a few things you could do while you wait.
1. Be on the lookout for new ID cards
If you changed insurance providers, or made changes to your plan elections, a new ID Card is the first tangible proof of your membership with your carrier. You will likely receive your new ID card after all required documents are received and processed. Expect your new card a few weeks after the effective date of your new plan.
2. Set up your user account.
Registering through your carrier’s website might be one of the best things you can do. You can do this through your laptop, smartphone or tablet, and this can save you time when looking for specific information about your coverage throughout the year, and can make finding in-network providers a convenient click or tap away. Most carriers have smartphone apps that you can download, so all your information and all the resources you could possibly need (including cost of care for any procedures you may need in the upcoming year) are right in the palm of your hand.
3. Schedule your annual exams
Almost every healthcare plan now covers specific annual preventive care services without imposing cost-sharing requirements— this means no out-of-pocket expenses! You can go to your insurer’s website so see what is covered, and you can set your appointments early. A few things you can check off the list? Annual physicals, cancer screenings, dental cleanings, and vision check-ups.
4. Double-check your first payment
Be sure your payment amounts correctly match the total currently enrolled in the plan you (and your family members) selected. If you see any discrepancies, now is the best time to resolve any issues.
5. Consider tracking your health-related expenses
Try to pay attention to how much you spend on health-related expenses over the course of the coming year. This way, you’ll be better prepared for next year’s open enrollment period, and you can be sure to make an educated choice on any plan changes, like looking into an HSA, which is one of the easiest ways to put money back in your pocket.
6. Get dental or vision coverage
If for any reason you weren’t able to get a health plan that includes dental or vision coverage, good news: you can buy dental or vision insurance year round! A stand-alone dental or vision plan is a type of plan offered through the Marketplace that’s not included as part of a health plan.
Dental or vision plans that come with health plans generally offer less benefits and limited network than companies that offer dental and vision plans separately. You may opt to get a stand-alone plan if the health coverage you chose doesn’t include dental or vision, or if you want different dental or vision coverage.
