The Open Enrollment Mistakes That Cost My Clients Thousands (Don’t Let This Be You)
Every November, my phone starts ringing off the hook. It’s open enrollment season, and suddenly everyone realizes they need to pick health insurance. By December 14th, it’s pure panic. “Yvonne, I just realized enrollment ends TOMORROW!”
After 8 years of watching smart people make the same costly mistakes, I’m sharing the biggest ones. Learn from their “oops” moments so you don’t have your own.
Mistake #1: The December 14th Panic
True story: Last year, a client called me at 8 PM on December 14th. The website was crashing, she couldn’t remember her password, and she needed coverage by January 1st. We got it done, but barely.
The fix: Start in early November. Seriously. Put it in your calendar now. Give yourself time to actually compare plans instead of clicking the first thing you see because the deadline is breathing down your neck.
Here’s my timeline that actually works:
– Early November: Look at what you have now
– Mid-November: Compare new options
– Late November: Make your choice and enroll
– December: Relax while everyone else panics
Mistake #2: The “Set It and Forget It” Trap
Your plan from last year? It changed. I guarantee it. Maybe your favorite doctor left the network. Maybe your medication moved to a higher tier. Maybe your premium jumped $100/month.
Real example: A Delray Beach client didn’t check her plan changes. Her cardiologist dropped out of network. She found out AFTER her first visit in January. Cost her $3,000 she didn’t budget for.
The fix: Even if you love your plan, check these things:
– Is your doctor still in-network? (Call and ask)
– Are your meds still covered at the same price?
– Did your deductible or copays change?
– Is that hospital you like still covered?
Mistake #3: The “Cheapest Premium” Mistake
I see this ALL the time. “Yvonne, I found a plan for $200/month!” Great, but what’s the deductible? “Um… $8,000.” And the copays? “What are copays?”
Here’s the math nobody does: A $200/month plan with an $8,000 deductible could cost you $10,400 if something happens. That $400/month plan with a $2,000 deductible? Maximum $6,800. Which sounds cheaper now?
The fix: Add it all up:
– Monthly premium × 12
– Your deductible (assume you’ll hit it)
– Copays for your regular stuff
– Your prescriptions for the year
Pick the plan based on TOTAL cost, not just the monthly bill.
Mistake #4: Not Checking if Your Doctor Takes the Plan
This one breaks my heart. You’ve been seeing Dr. Smith for 10 years. You pick a plan. January comes, and surprise! Dr. Smith doesn’t take your new insurance.
Last month, a Boca client had to switch oncologists mid-treatment because she didn’t verify network participation. Don’t be her.
The fix:
– Call your doctor’s office directly: “Do you take XYZ insurance for 2024?”
– Check the insurance website (but still call – these are often wrong)
– If you have specialists, check them ALL
– Don’t forget to check your preferred hospital too
For my South Florida folks: Make sure Boca Regional, Bethesda, or wherever you go is in-network!
Mistake #5: The Prescription Surprise
Your medication costs can change dramatically between plans. That diabetes medication that costs you $25/month? Could be $200 on a different plan. Or not covered at all.
True story: A Wellington client saved $50/month on premiums by switching plans. His cholesterol medication went from $30 to $180/month. He’s paying way more now.
The fix:
– List every medication you take
– Check each plan’s drug formulary (the list of covered meds)
– See what “tier” your drugs are on
– Calculate the yearly cost, not just monthly
Pro tip: Sometimes switching to generic or mail-order can save hundreds. Ask about it.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Life Changes
Got married? Had a baby? Kid graduated college? Retiring soon? These things matter for your insurance choice, but people forget to factor them in.
Example: A Boynton couple picked separate plans in November. Got married in February. Could have saved $300/month with a family plan but had to wait until the next enrollment.
The fix: Think ahead:
– Planning a wedding? Pick compatible plans
– Baby on the way? Get a plan with good maternity coverage
– Turning 65 soon? Start planning for Medicare
– Kids turning 26? They need their own plan
Mistake #7: Going It Alone
Look, I get it. You’re smart. You can figure this out yourself. But health insurance is intentionally confusing. The insurance companies don’t make it easy on purpose.
I helped a client last week who’d been paying $400/month extra for THREE YEARS because he didn’t know about subsidies he qualified for. That’s $14,400 he’ll never get back.
The fix: Get help. A good insurance broker (like me!) costs you nothing – we’re paid by the insurance companies. We can:
– Compare all your options side-by-side
– Explain stuff in actual English
– Help with the paperwork
– Be there when something goes wrong
Your 2024 Open Enrollment Game Plan
Right now (yes, today):
1. Find your current insurance card
2. List your doctors and medications
3. Write down what you paid for healthcare this year
In November:
1. Review your current plan’s changes for 2024
2. Compare at least 3 other options
3. Do the TOTAL cost math
4. Pick your plan by November 30th (not December 14th!)
Before January 1st:
1. Confirm your enrollment went through
2. Get your new cards
3. Tell your doctors about your new insurance
4. Refill prescriptions before the change if needed
Don’t Make These Mistakes This Year
Open enrollment doesn’t have to be stressful. Start early, do your homework, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The hour you spend now could save you thousands next year.
Need someone to walk you through this? I’ve helped hundreds of South Florida residents avoid these exact mistakes. No insurance jargon, no pressure – just honest help finding coverage that actually works for you.
Call me at 954-646-3666 or email yheaven@aol.com. Let’s get you enrolled in something smart before the December panic sets in.
P.S. Seriously, don’t wait until December 14th. My phone will be ringing nonstop, and I want to actually help you, not rush through it.
Yvonne Heaven has survived 8 open enrollment seasons helping Palm Beach County residents pick health insurance. She’s seen every mistake in the book and promises not to judge you for yours. When she’s not preventing insurance disasters, you’ll find her enjoying our beautiful South Florida weather, stress-free because her own insurance is already sorted.
