How to Prepare for ACA Open Enrollment (OEP)

Cynthia Macluskie • September 5, 2025

How to Prepare for ACA Open Enrollment (OEP)

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for ACA (Affordable Care Act) health insurance runs from November 1 to January 15. This is your window to enroll in a new plan, renew your current one, or make changes to better fit your needs for 2026.


Here’s how to get ready:


1. Review Your Current Coverage

Take a moment to think about how your plan worked for you this year. Were your doctors in-network? Did your prescriptions cost more than expected? Make a list of what worked — and what didn’t.


2. Update Your Information

We will need the following:

  • A list of your current prescriptions (with dosage)
  • Names of your doctors and specialists
  • Preferred pharmacies


This helps us match you with the best plans available.


3. Watch for Your ANOC

If you’re currently enrolled in a plan, your carrier will send you an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) in late September. It outlines any changes in your coverage or costs. Don’t ignore it — these changes could affect your care in 2026.


4. Stay Alert for Scam Communications

OEP is a popular time for scammers to target consumers with misleading calls, emails, and ads. If something seems off, check with your trusted agent before responding.


5. Be Ready to Schedule Your Appointment

We’ll begin sending notices soon to schedule an appointment to review your coverage.  Appointments can start after October 1.  Keep an eye out for communications from us so we can help you review your options and find the best fit.


Need help or have questions?

We’re here to guide you through the process and make sure you’re confident in your 2026 coverage. Give us a call!

Woman typing at a desktop computer in an office, seated at a white desk with a focused expression.
May 27, 2026
Learn why updating your income and household info on an ACA plan helps you avoid tax surprises, stay eligible, and access the right savings.
Scrabble tiles on red background spell “MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.”
May 20, 2026
Learn how Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and screenings, and how to access support when you need it.
By Cynthia Macluskie May 14, 2026
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System recently updated the ABA policy, and it is now open for public comment. There are many positive improvements within the proposal, including stronger fingerprinting, criminal background check, and abuse registry requirements for certain ABA providers. However, I do not believe the proposed protections go far enough. Children and vulnerable adults receiving ABA services often interact with many individuals throughout the day beyond credentialed clinical staff. Front office personnel, float staff, transportation staff, aides, interns, volunteers, and others may all have access to vulnerable members. Safety standards should not depend on a billing code or job title. They should depend on access to a vulnerable person. Any individual who may supervise, transport, escort, monitor, or otherwise interact with a vulnerable member should be required to complete fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and abuse registry screening before member contact occurs. In addition, providers serving vulnerable populations through Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and contracted health plans should all be held to the same strict safety standards. Protecting vulnerable children and adults should always be the priority. If you wish to learn more please use the link below: https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid347/did200055/pid_214247/project-documents/AMPM%20POLICY%20320-S.pdf If you would lik e to comment on the policy use the link below: https://ahcccs.commentinput.com/?id=8e7uZSx2hH
Graduate in cap and gown holding diploma, standing with two smiling people outdoors.
May 13, 2026
Learn how to cope with empty nest emotions, support your child’s independence, and embrace new opportunities during this next stage of life.
Four people outdoors high-fiving and smiling near a wooden railing by the water.
May 7, 2026
Medicare expands access to virtual diabetes prevention programs and repeat participation, improving access for seniors at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Show More

Share

Woman typing at a desktop computer in an office, seated at a white desk with a focused expression.
May 27, 2026
Learn why updating your income and household info on an ACA plan helps you avoid tax surprises, stay eligible, and access the right savings.
Scrabble tiles on red background spell “MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.”
May 20, 2026
Learn how Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and screenings, and how to access support when you need it.
By Cynthia Macluskie May 14, 2026
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System recently updated the ABA policy, and it is now open for public comment. There are many positive improvements within the proposal, including stronger fingerprinting, criminal background check, and abuse registry requirements for certain ABA providers. However, I do not believe the proposed protections go far enough. Children and vulnerable adults receiving ABA services often interact with many individuals throughout the day beyond credentialed clinical staff. Front office personnel, float staff, transportation staff, aides, interns, volunteers, and others may all have access to vulnerable members. Safety standards should not depend on a billing code or job title. They should depend on access to a vulnerable person. Any individual who may supervise, transport, escort, monitor, or otherwise interact with a vulnerable member should be required to complete fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and abuse registry screening before member contact occurs. In addition, providers serving vulnerable populations through Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and contracted health plans should all be held to the same strict safety standards. Protecting vulnerable children and adults should always be the priority. If you wish to learn more please use the link below: https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid347/did200055/pid_214247/project-documents/AMPM%20POLICY%20320-S.pdf If you would lik e to comment on the policy use the link below: https://ahcccs.commentinput.com/?id=8e7uZSx2hH
Graduate in cap and gown holding diploma, standing with two smiling people outdoors.
May 13, 2026
Learn how to cope with empty nest emotions, support your child’s independence, and embrace new opportunities during this next stage of life.
Four people outdoors high-fiving and smiling near a wooden railing by the water.
May 7, 2026
Medicare expands access to virtual diabetes prevention programs and repeat participation, improving access for seniors at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
A family walks across a green lawn near a wooden food cart and tropical palm trees on a bright day.
April 22, 2026
Learn how travel medical insurance can help cover emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation costs when your domestic health plan may not protect you overseas.
A red pen rests on a white envelope marked
April 15, 2026
Unexpected medical bills are common. Learn seven simple tips to understand your health insurance, avoid costly surprises, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Two medical professionals in light blue scrubs stand behind a reception desk, one holding a tablet and one leaning forward.
April 8, 2026
Learn how to use Medicare’s Care Compare tool to evaluate hospital quality, star ratings, patient experience, and performance data to choose the best care near you.
A person wearing a light green jacket sneezes into their elbow while working on a laptop at a table.
April 1, 2026
Spring allergies can bring sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Learn simple steps to reduce pollen exposure, manage symptoms, and make allergy season easier.
Woman in denim shirt looks at papers while sitting at a table with laptop in front of wooden wall.
March 25, 2026
Have an ACA Marketplace plan? Learn how Form 1095-A, premium tax credit reconciliation, and life changes affect your tax return, and how to avoid costly repayment surprises.
Show More