The Only Health Plan Checklist You'll Ever Need

Don’t panic about picking a plan, here are 4 easy steps to help you choose health coverage that protects your health and your wallet.

Short on time, long on choices? This quick guide shows what to check, what matters most, and how to finish enrollment without a headache.

Step 1: Gather your info

Collect a few simple things before you start. It speeds things up and avoids surprises.

• Full names and dates of birth for everyone in your household
• A rough household income amount and a recent pay stub or last year’s tax return if you have it
• Your current plan name or a photo of your insurance card, if you have one
• The doctors and specialists you want to keep seeing
• A list of medications, doses, and how often you refill them

This info helps determine whether you qualify for financial help and ensures we match you with plans that keep your doctors and cover your medication, meaning fewer gaps and fewer surprise bills.

Step 2: Compare the numbers that actually matter

Don’t get stuck on the monthly price alone. Look at the whole picture for each plan.

Check:

• Monthly premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum
• Copays or coinsurance for doctor visits and urgent care
• Prescription coverage and whether your meds are on the list
• Whether your primary doctor and specialists are in network
• Preventive services covered at no cost

Example:
Saving on premiums can be tempting. If Plan B saves you $600 a year in premiums but has a $4,000 higher out-of-pocket maximum, that difference matters a lot when there is an emergency.

Step 3: Find savings and extras that change the math

Some tools and programs can make an expensive plan suddenly affordable. Make these checks part of your shopping; it can change your total yearly cost.

Look for:

• Eligibility for premium tax credits or marketplace subsidies
• CatchRx savings for prescriptions and how that lowers your overall spend
• HSA eligibility if you want tax-advantaged medical savings
• Extras like dental, vision, or telehealth

Subsidies and prescription pricing change every year, and these factors can shift which plan truly fits your budget. Comparing them helps you see more than the sticker price.

Step 4: Enroll the right way and lock it in

Finish strong so your coverage actually starts when you expect it. Submitting your application correctly and keeping your information up to date helps you avoid gaps, denied claims, and billing surprises.

Do this:

1. Sign in or create your Marketplace account.

2. Complete the application with household and income information.

3. Pick a plan, confirm your prescriptions, and submit.

4. Pay the first premium if required, and save your confirmation and plan summary.

5. Schedule a 10-minute check-in with an advisor to confirm everything.

A quick check-up with your Catch Health Advisor ensures your doctors, medications, and start date are aligned before coverage kicks in.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a plan is about protecting your health and your money.

Want help? Book a licensed Catch Health Advisor, and we’ll do the heavy lifting. We compare your yearly costs, review doctor and drug coverage, and complete your enrollment together.