Open Enrollment and Medical Supplies: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Change Health Plans 

Tag: insurance-and-health-plans

Published: November 4, 2026

Summary

Changing health plans during open enrollment can affect more than your monthly premium. If you use insurance-covered medical supplies, changes to coverage, provider networks, prior authorizations, and documentation requirements could impact your ability to receive the products you depend on. Before making a switch, ask these six questions to help avoid surprises and make a more informed decision.

Open enrollment gives you the opportunity to review and change your health insurance coverage for the upcoming year.  

If you rely on medical supplies, changing health plans can affect everything from coverage and supplier access to approvals and out-of-pocket costs. While health plans publish coverage information during open enrollment, specific coverage decisions may depend on your individual benefits, medical needs, and plan requirements. If you have questions, contact the health plan directly before enrolling. 

Open Enrollment Dates and Resources: 

• Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 through December 7 for 2027 coverage. 
  • Compare plans using the Medicare Plan Finder 
• Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment: November 1 through January 15. 
  • Browse plans and prices on Healthcare.gov. 

Home Care Delivered (HCD) has helped people access insurance-covered medical supplies since 1996. We work with customers, healthcare providers, and health plans to help coordinate the documentation and coverage requirements needed to process supply orders.  

Before changing health plans, make sure the supplies you currently use will still be covered under your new plan. 

A supply may be covered under a new plan, but that doesn't always mean the coverage works the same way. Some plans may apply quantity limits, require additional approvals, or cover different products than the ones you currently use. 

Additional questions to consider: 

• Are my supplies covered? 
• Are there quantity limits or coverage restrictions? 
• Will I be required to switch from my current product to an alternative?

A health plan may cover your supplies but require you to obtain them through specific suppliers. 

Before selecting a new plan, verify: 

• Can I continue receiving supplies from my current provider? 
• Will my current orders continue without interruption? 
• Does the plan require me to use a different supplier? 

You can check whether HCD works with your insurance by reviewing our In-Network Plans page.  

Even if your supplies are approved under your current health plan, those approvals and requirements may not automatically transfer when you switch coverage. Your new plan may require additional information before it will cover certain supplies. 

Depending on the plan, you may need:

• A new prior authorization 
• Updated prescriptions 
• Medical records or clinical documentation 
• Additional information from your healthcare provider 

• Does this plan require prior authorization for my supplies? 
• Will my current approvals transfer to the new plan? 
• Will my doctor need to submit new paperwork? 
• What information will my healthcare provider need to provide? 
• How long does the approval process typically take? 

Not all health plans cover the same quantity of supplies each month. Even if your supplies are covered, a new plan may limit how many you can receive or require additional information before approving higher quantities. 

Before changing health insurance, verify: 

• How many supplies are covered each month 
• Whether additional quantities may be approved if medically necessary 
• Whether the new plan has different coverage limits than your current plan 

It's easy to focus on whether a supply is covered and overlook how much of it your plan will cover each month. Asking these questions before enrollment can help you avoid unexpected changes in the supplies you receive. 

A lower monthly premium doesn't always mean lower overall healthcare costs. Depending on your plan, you may pay different deductibles, copays, coinsurance amounts, or costs for supplies that aren't fully covered. 

Before changing health insurance, verify: 

• What your deductible will be 
• What copays or coinsurance may apply to your supplies 
• Whether any supplies are excluded from coverage 
• What your annual out-of-pocket maximum will be 

If you're comparing multiple plans during open enrollment, reviewing each plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage can help you better understand your expected costs before enrolling. 

Before enrolling in a new health plan, make sure you understand how the plan may affect the medical supplies you use today. 

Use this guide as a checklist before making your final decision: 

• Will my supplies be covered? 
• Is my supplier in network? 
• Will I need new approvals or documentation? 
• Are quantity limits different? 
• What are my expected out-of-pocket costs? 

Once you've answered these questions, you'll be in a better position to choose a plan that supports your healthcare needs and budget. 

If you're exploring your options, HCD works with a wide range of Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and commercial insurance plans to help people access insurance-covered medical supplies. Check whether HCD accepts your insurance on our In-Network Plans page or call (866) 938-3906 to learn more about getting started. 

If you change health plans, contact HCD as soon as possible with your updated insurance information. Early notification allows our team to review your new coverage and identify any steps needed to help prevent disruptions to future supply orders. 

After enrolling in a new plan: 

• Contact an HCD representative at (800) 565-5644 with your updated insurance information.
• Let us know about any provider or contact information changes.
• Respond promptly if updated prescriptions or additional information are needed.
• Review communications from your new health plan regarding coverage requirements.

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”