Open Enrollment Checklist 2025: Everything You Need Before Choosing a Health Plan
Open enrollment season is here, and you have just 2-3 weeks to make a decision that impacts your finances and health coverage for the entire year. Don't go in unprepared. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have everything you need to make a confident, informed choice.
TL;DR - Your Open Enrollment Checklist
1. Documents You'll Need
Current Benefits Summary
Locate your current year's benefits enrollment confirmation. This shows what you chose last year and serves as a baseline for comparison.
Pro tip: If you can't find it, check your email for "benefits enrollment confirmation" or log into your employer's HR portal.
2025 Benefits Guide (New Plans)
Your employer should provide a benefits guide or enrollment packet (often 50-100+ pages) outlining all available plans for 2025. This is your source of truth.
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Last Year's Medical Expenses
Gather records of what you actually spent on healthcare in the past year:
- •Insurance EOBs (Explanation of Benefits)
- •Receipts for doctor visits, prescriptions, procedures
- •HSA/FSA spending records
- •Out-of-pocket costs you paid directly
2. Review Life Changes
Your life isn't the same as last year. These changes dramatically affect which plan is best for you:
Marriage or Divorce
Adding or removing a spouse changes your coverage needs and costs significantly
New Baby or Adoption
Pediatric care, well-child visits, and vaccinations mean more doctor visits
New Chronic Condition
Diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, or other ongoing condition? You need a plan with better specialist coverage
Children Aging Out
Kids turning 26 or going to college with their own insurance? Your family size changed
New Medication
Started taking expensive medications? Check which plans cover them in-network
Location Change
Moved to a new area? Your current doctors might not be in-network anymore
3. Compile Your Medical Information
Current Medications
List all prescriptions you take regularly:
- Medication name (brand and generic)
- Dosage and frequency
- Current monthly cost
Why this matters: Prescription coverage varies wildly between plans. A drug that costs $10 on Plan A might cost $150 on Plan B.
Preferred Doctors & Hospitals
Write down:
- •Primary care physician name and practice
- •Specialists you see regularly (cardiologist, dermatologist, etc.)
- •Preferred hospital or medical center
- •Mental health provider (therapist, psychiatrist)
Planned Medical Needs for 2025
Do you anticipate any of these in the coming year?
4. Plan Your Budget & Tax Strategy
Calculate What You Can Afford
Consider your monthly budget for:
HSA/FSA Decision
Determine if you should contribute to an HSA or FSA in 2025:
HSA (Health Savings Account)
- • Contribution limit: $4,300 (individual) / $8,550 (family)
- • Money rolls over year to year
- • Triple tax advantage
- • Requires high-deductible plan
FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
- • Contribution limit: $3,300
- • Use it or lose it (mostly)
- • Available with any plan type
- • Good for predictable expenses
Important: You cannot contribute to both HSA and healthcare FSA in the same year. Choose wisely based on your plan selection.
5. Know Your Deadlines
Don't Miss Your Deadline!
Missing open enrollment means you're stuck with your current plan for another year—or worse, no coverage at all.
Federal Employees (FEHB)
Typically: Mid-November to mid-December
Coverage starts: January 1, 2025
Healthcare.gov (Marketplace)
Typically: November 1 - January 15
Coverage starts: As early as January 1, 2025
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Varies by employer: Usually 2-4 week window in October-December
Check your HR portal or email for exact dates
Medicare
Annual Enrollment: October 15 - December 7
Coverage starts: January 1, 2025
6. Questions to Ask Yourself
How often did I go to the doctor this year?
Why it matters: Frequent visits mean a lower deductible plan might save money
Do I value flexibility in choosing doctors?
Why it matters: PPO offers flexibility but costs more than HMO
Can I afford a high deductible if something unexpected happens?
Why it matters: High-deductible plans have low premiums but high emergency costs
Am I generally healthy with minimal healthcare needs?
Why it matters: HDHP + HSA might be perfect for you
Do I have upcoming major medical expenses?
Why it matters: Choose a plan with lower out-of-pocket maximum
Are my current doctors in-network with the new plans?
Why it matters: Out-of-network care can cost 2-3x more
Print the Complete Checklist
Print this checklist or save as PDF to keep handy during open enrollment.
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Final Thoughts
Open enrollment only comes once a year, and the decision you make affects your health and finances for the next 12 months. Taking time to prepare with this checklist ensures you won't miss critical details that could cost you thousands.
The most common regret people have? "I wish I had spent more time comparing my options."
Don't let that be you. Use this checklist, gather your information, and make a choice you'll feel confident about all year long.