Don’t wait until the last minute to choose a health care plan

November is almost here (or maybe it’s arrived already by the time you’re reading this). Open enrollment in the health insurance marketplace for 2019 coverage begins on November 1, and the sooner you get in and apply, the better. While you can go to the health care exchange’s website through December 15 (the last possible day to obtain coverage), it might be a pretty poor idea. Here’s why…

You’ll have heavy competition

Although often life gets in the way of looking for things like health care coverage, you’re not the only one it happens to. Phone lines and internet connections are likely to be jammed with other insurance-seekers who need coverage that same day, just like you. And if you can’t get through, you may not be able to get coverage unless you have a Qualifying Life Event.

You need time to assess your choices

Twenty-four hours may seem like a long time to go over your insurance choices. But it isn’t necessarily long enough – not if you need to consider medical records, discuss matters with family members or call your insurance broker (and have them get back to you). The more time you have to assess your options, the more likely you are to make a better choice for yourself and your family.