As sure as colorful leaves and football games, open enrollment season happens each fall. Don’t miss this chance to ensure you have health insurance coverage for 2025.

Open enrollment on the federal Marketplace at healthcare.gov runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 for first-of-the-year coverage. Jan. 15 is the final date to make changes or to set up coverage that begins Feb. 1.

Employers have their own open enrollment season for signing up for health insurance at work, but commonly this happens in the fall as well.

Health insurance is an investment, just like a retirement plan. It protects your savings and income from unexpected health care costs.

Everyone’s situation and health care needs are unique, but the more you know about the choices and how your plan works, the better.

Did you know that about four in five people with health insurance get it through their employer?

If your employer or your spouse’s employer offers affordable health insurance, this is your top option to consider. You may also fall into other special categories, including Medicaid for individuals or families with lower income and/or Medicare and related products, including Medicare Supplement Insurance, for those age 65 and older.

Affordable Care Act-compliant plans must cover a list of 10 essential categories of health services, including 100% coverage for preventive care like yearly check-ups, annual mammograms, immunizations or more.

Yet health insurance plans may include additional benefits, for example, three covered visits per year beyond your annual checkup. Value-added services may include discounts on fitness memberships and virtual visits.

High deductible health plans offer lower premiums. But if you have a health care event, you’re responsible for covering the entire deductible amount before insurance starts to cover expenses. High deductible health plans are paired with a health savings account (HSA). You can set aside pre-tax dollars in that account, but the funds can only be used for qualified health expenses. Your HSA savings can roll over from year to year.

If you know you’ll need health care services yet don’t have money saved to cover a high deductible, look for the lowest deductible plan you can afford, or consider a traditional plan.

As you select a plan, consider what your total out-of-pocket costs could be for health care. You’ll have the monthly premium, even if you don’t use health services. If you have a health event, you’d be responsible for out-of-pocket costs like deductible, co-pays and coinsurance.

Direct plans have a selected network of providers that may be within one health system, like Avera. They offer lower premiums, and you still have a wide range of specialists to choose from. These plans make special provisions for family members who live outside the area, for when you travel, or if you need specialists or health services not available in-network.

For most people, open enrollment is your one window of time each year to get or change health care coverage – so don’t let it slip by without taking action. If you have questions, contact your health insurance company or benefits manager at your place of work.

While we don’t always like to think about the “what ifs” of life including a major illness or injury, it can happen to any of us, and having your health coverage in place for the upcoming year will give you protection and peace of mind.