Clarkstown, NY – As open enrollment season begins, Rockland County residents are being reminded to carefully review their health insurance options before making selections for the new year. With plan changes and rising costs on the horizon, financial experts say taking time to compare coverage could save local families hundreds of dollars.
Reevaluate Coverage and Costs
More than 150 million Americans receive health insurance through their employers, and Rockland Daily News reporter Mathew Alverez advises against simply renewing last year’s plan without review. He recommends residents check whether their preferred doctors and prescriptions remain covered under their current plan.
“If it’s not, it’s worth exploring other options, including high-deductible health plans paired with Health Savings Accounts,” Alverez said. HSAs offer triple tax advantages: contributions are pre-tax, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses aren’t taxed. For many, this can provide valuable long-term health care savings.
Medicare and Affordable Care Act Updates
For Rockland residents age 65 and older, the Medicare open enrollment period runs through December 7. Alverez notes that Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug (Part D) plans can change benefits, cost-sharing, and covered medications each year. “Even a brief review of your options could save 5% to 10% in the coming year,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace opens November 1 for roughly 24 million Americans. However, those relying on enhanced premium tax credits could face higher costs. These expanded credits are set to expire at the end of the year unless renewed by Congress. Without them, enrollees could see reduced subsidies or lose eligibility entirely, compounding the impact of increasing premiums.
Take Action Before Deadlines
Alverez urges residents to be proactive. “Get in front of this,” she said. “Compare plans, look at options like downgrading from a silver plan to a bronze plan, and be prepared for higher costs next year.”
For Rockland County households, making informed choices during this open enrollment period could make a meaningful difference in both coverage quality and financial security heading into 2026.
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
