During the Annual Enrollment Period, you should be hearing from your insurance agent. With this call, you might hear good news regarding your plan changing – lower prices or even more benefits. This call might also inform you of rising prices or even your favorite primary care physician opting out. When you receive the call, these are the questions you should be asking your insurance agent to understand better what is changing.
How Is Your Doctor Network Changing?
With a new year comes a new health plan, which could be changing. Behind the scenes, your health insurance company has been working with your local doctors and doctors’ offices to either expand or remove services. Certain physicians may choose to opt out of your network, meaning that you’ll need to change doctors. Or, conversely, new physicians may move in, giving you more options for care. You’ll want to be aware of what’s happening so you can prepare.
Changes In Premium
We all want to save money, especially when it comes to monthly premiums. With your current cost of a mortgage, utilities, food, & transportation, will a $25 rise in the premium set you back? How about a lower monthly premium of $25? If your insurance cost shifts up or down, will those changes leave a huge impact on your spending and saving habits?
New Benefits
Health companies are constantly in competition. Because of this, your insurance company might have upped your benefits to try and keep you as a client. Ask your agent about the new benefits that interest you. Maybe it’s a certain amount of free rides to and from the doctor’s office or a reduced-price gym membership. It could even be a wider range of benefits that help with vision and dental. Knowing your benefit changes can help you make an informed selection of health care provider.
Changing Drug Coverage
How is your plan’s drug formulary looking? If you have had serious changes in your health, there might be new medications you need in order to keep yourself in top form. Talk to your agent about the new formulary list which can give you insight on new drugs covered and how much they cost. Be sure to check the numbers and see if a pharmacy is close to you/convenient.
Why Understanding What Is Changing Matters
Health insurance plans can change from year to year, even if you decide to keep the same coverage. Taking the time to understand what is changing before your plan renews can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your healthcare needs continue to be met. Small updates to your plan, such as changes to provider networks, prescription drug coverage, premiums, deductibles, or additional benefits, can have a significant impact on your overall healthcare experience.
Reviewing these changes with your insurance agent gives you the opportunity to ask questions, compare your options, and determine whether your current plan is still the best fit. If your health needs have changed over the past year, such as starting a new medication, seeing a specialist more frequently, or wanting additional dental, vision, or hearing coverage, it may be worth exploring other available plans.
Staying informed about what is changing each enrollment period allows you to make confident decisions and avoid surprises after your new coverage begins. Even if the changes seem minor, reviewing them annually can help ensure your plan continues to provide the coverage, access, and value that best meets your needs.
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This article was updated on July 17th, 2026.