PADUA FINANCIAL SERVICES · OPULENCE™ BY CHOICE

Open Enrollment: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Your plan should fit your doctors, prescriptions, budget and enrollment rights. Start with these five checks.

1. Choosing by premium alone

Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and applicable out-of-pocket limits. Estimate costs using the care you expect.

2. Skipping doctor checks

Confirm your doctors and hospitals participate in the exact plan for the coming year. Check with the plan and provider before enrolling.

3. Overlooking prescription costs

Review each medication, dose and pharmacy. Check covered-drug lists, restrictions and your estimated costs.

4. Renewing without a review

Medicare: read the Annual Notice of Change. ACA: review renewal notices and update expected household income and household details.

5. Missing your enrollment window

Medicare and ACA have separate calendars. Verify eligibility, deadlines and effective dates before changing coverage.

Medicare and ACA have different dates

Medicare health/drug annual enrollment: October 15 - December 7, 2026. HealthCare.gov enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage and pay the first premium. State Marketplace dates and special enrollment rules may differ.

Medicare plan discussions require the appropriate SOA. An inquiry does not book an appointment or enroll you. State authority, carrier availability and ACA service availability must be confirmed. Padua offers no health products in California.

Medicare annual enrollment is not a guaranteed right to buy or switch Medigap without underwriting. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for all options.

Official resources

• Medicare open enrollment
• Marketplace dates
• Compare Marketplace plans
• Renew or update Marketplace coverage

Reviewed October 10, 2026.

Browse all free guides