Use AI to understand health insurance open enrollment

AI can't pick a plan for you, but it can explain words like deductible and copay in plain English and help you compare plans with your own needs in mind.

Open enrollment is when you pick or change your health plan for next year. For Marketplace plans on HealthCare.gov, it usually starts Nov 1. For 2027 coverage, HealthCare.gov lists Nov 1, 2026 through Jan 15, 2027, and in most states you usually need to pick by mid-December for coverage to start Jan 1. Some states run their own sites with different dates, so confirm on HealthCare.gov or your state's site. If you get insurance through work, your employer sets the dates, so ask HR.

On Medicare? This guide isn't for you. Read our Medicare open enrollment guide instead.

Learn the words first

Plan papers are full of terms that sound alike. Ask AI to explain them with a simple example.

Example: "Explain premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum in plain words. Use one simple example of a $2,000 hospital bill to show how each one works. I'm new to this."

Write down what matters to you

Before you compare plans, make a short list: the doctors you want to keep, the medicines you take, how often you usually see a doctor, and any big care you expect next year. Ask AI to turn your notes into a checklist you can use for every plan.

Compare plans side by side

Each plan has a summary of benefits. Copy the key parts of two or three plans (monthly cost, deductible, copays, out-of-pocket maximum) and ask AI to put them in a simple table. Then ask: "For someone who sees a doctor about four times a year and takes two medicines, what should I look at most closely?"

Questions to ask before you choose

Ask AI for a list of questions for HR, the insurance company, or a free helper. Things like: Is my doctor in the network? Is my medicine covered? What happens if I need a specialist? HealthCare.gov also has a way to find free local help.

Things to know

• AI can be wrong or out of date about plans, costs, and rules. Always confirm on HealthCare.gov, your state's site, the plan's own papers, or with HR.
• Only HealthCare.gov or your state's site can tell you what you qualify for, including any savings on your monthly cost.
• Never paste your Social Security number, member ID, policy number, or date of birth into the chat. Take them out before you paste any plan papers.
• Going to the doctor after you switch? Read our guide to preparing for a doctor visit.

Also read: Using AI to get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment