Priority Health Shares How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes When Choosing an ACA Health Plan

November is a time for family, friends, football and way too much very filling food. It’s also time for Open Enrollment to purchase health coverage for 2026.

Choosing the right health plan for you and your family can feel overwhelming. We get it. But have no fear — our friends at Priority Health are here to make your life easier and guide you in the right direction throughout every step of the enrollment process.

They’ve even put together the following tips and insights into common mistakes and how to avoid them as you’re selecting the right plan for your family’s health care needs this year.

Common ACA mistakes and smart moves to make instead

Between the number of options and variety of plans available, it is perfectly normal to feel a little stressed out as you’re navigating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

We’ve compiled the list below of some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing an ACA plan, along with the smart moves to make instead. If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, Priority Health put together this article to help make your Open Enrollment experience a piece of cake. (Or should we say, “pumpkin pie,” since it is November, after all?)

Overlooking out-of-network costs

Smart move: Check if your providers are in network.

Underestimating total costs

Smart move: Take deductible and copayments and coinsurance into account.

Misjudging your family’s health care needs

Smart move: Reflect on your past health care needs and think about future needs including any life changes.

Not checking for financial assistance

Smart move: Check each year to see if you qualify for subsidies as qualifications change.

Choosing based on premium alone

Smart move: Compare plans based on networks, chronic condition coverage and plan extras to help you save money.

Navigating complexities on your own

Smart move: Call Priority Health’s award-winning health¹ plan experts at 833.630.1204.

Open Enrollment is officially here

The Open Enrollment Period — or OEP — runs every year from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. During this time you are able to enroll in a health plan for the following year through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace® (or through a private insurer like Priority Health).

As you’re assessing your family’s health care needs and deciding your must-haves in a health plan, here’s a useful Open Enrollment checklist from Priority Health.

Key OEP dates

Nov. 1st: Enrollment has begun! You can now purchase new or change your existing health coverage for 2026.
Dec. 15th: The last day you can enroll for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Jan. 15th: OEP ends as it is the final day to enroll for coverage beginning Feb 1, 2026.
After Jan. 15th: You can only enroll or change your health coverage if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

The many benefits of a MyPriority plan for your family

With a MyPriority plan from Priority Health, you get coverage that prioritizes your family’s mental, physical and financial peace of mind.

From coordinated care, prescription coverage to access to pediatric specialists and chronic condition support — including access to medical services, supplies and medications for just the cost of a copay or coinsurance, before you even reach your annual deductible — Priority Health makes your family’s health and well-being a priority.

More benefits of a MyPriority plan:

24/7 access to virtual care
$0 preventive care
A large network
Low prescription copays
On-demand access to Teledoc Health® Mental Health services
Access to low-cost benefits for chronic condition management, before your deductible is met

Here for you and happy to help

With a focus on “common” mistakes made when enrolling in a health plan, please feel free to share this resource with friends, colleagues and fellow parents.

And if you want to get a quote or follow up with any and all additional questions, Priority Health’s award-winning health plan experts are ready to assist. Call, toll-free, at 833.630.1204 or visit PriorityHealth.com.