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How to Change Health Insurance Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to change health insurance plans can help you avoid coverage gaps and unexpected medical bills. Whether your budget, health needs, or doctors have changed, switching is simple once you know when you can make a change and what to do first.
When Can You Change Health Insurance Plans?
Most people can change health insurance plans during open enrollment, the yearly window to sign up for or change coverage. For 2027 Marketplace coverage on HealthCare.gov, open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, according to HealthCare.gov. To have coverage begin January 1, enroll by December 15. Some state-run marketplaces use different deadlines, so confirm yours through HealthInsurance.org’s state deadline guide. Employer plans have their own enrollment periods, so ask your HR department for dates.
What If You Miss Open Enrollment to change health insurance plans?
You may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having or adopting a child. HealthCare.gov explains that you usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll, and some events, like losing coverage, let you apply up to 60 days beforehand. Job-based plans must offer a special enrollment period of at least 30 days, and you can enroll in Medicaid and CHIP at any time. Be ready to show proof of your event, since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notes that you can’t use coverage until your documents confirm eligibility and you pay your first premium.
Steps to Change Your Health Plan
- Review your current plan. Note your premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, drug coverage, and provider network.
- Compare new options. Confirm your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are covered before you choose.
- Gather your information. Have household details, estimated income, and current plan information ready.
- Contact an agent for guidance. Reach out to one of our qualified health insurance agents to help review your coverage.
- Pay your first premium. Your new coverage generally won’t take effect until the insurance company receives payment.
- Keep your old coverage until the new plan starts. This prevents a gap in protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people assume their plan will renew unchanged, but premiums, networks, and covered drugs can shift from year to year, so review your renewal notice carefully each fall. Others wait until the last day to apply, which leaves little time to fix errors or submit documents. Finally, don’t cancel existing coverage before your new plan is confirmed, since that can leave you uninsured.
Medicare Is Different
If you have Medicare, different rules apply. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, and changes made during that time take effect January 1.
Get Help Choosing
Comparing plans can feel overwhelming, and a licensed insurance agent can explain your options. Reach out to an Empower Brokerage agent to review your needs, compare plans, and complete your enrollment with confidence before the deadline. Open enrollment is the time to reassess your needs, so compare options and choose coverage that fits your health and budget.
Have Health Insurance Questions?
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