Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know with Dr. Mark O’Brien at Coastal Internal Medicine

Each year, open enrollment is an important opportunity for individuals and families to review their health insurance options and make changes that best support their needs. As your trusted primary care physician at Coastal Internal Medicine, Dr. Mark O’Brien is here to help you understand how open enrollment works and what it means for your healthcare.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll in a health insurance plan, renew your current plan, or make changes to your coverage. For most people, this window typically takes place in the fall, although exact dates may vary depending on whether you’re enrolling through the Health Insurance Marketplace, your employer, or Medicare.

During this time, you can:

• Choose a new health insurance plan.

• Renew or update your existing plan.

• Add or remove dependents.

• Switch primary care providers.

For Medicare, open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This period allows beneficiaries to switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Part D prescription plans, or update supplemental coverage.

Why Open Enrollment Matters

Your health needs can change from year to year, and so can your insurance benefits. Reviewing your plan during open enrollment ensures that you have access to the right doctors, services, and medications without unexpected costs.

Patients who wish to establish Dr. Mark O’Brien as their primary care doctor should take this opportunity to confirm that their insurance plan includes Coastal Internal Medicine in its network. We currently accept Medicare, Aetna, Anthem/Blue Cross, Cigna, United Healthcare, Greater Tri-Cities IPA, and Blue Shield.

How to Prepare for Open Enrollment

Here are a few steps Dr. O’Brien recommends:

1. Review your current plan. Look at your premiums, deductibles, copays, and coverage. Did your plan meet your needs over the past year?

2. Consider your upcoming health needs. If you expect to need new medications, procedures, or preventive care, check how they are covered.

3. Check provider networks. Make sure your preferred physicians, including Dr. O’Brien, are listed as in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.

4. Compare options. Even if you’re satisfied with your plan, it’s worth comparing alternatives — benefits and costs can change each year.

5. Ask questions. If you’re uncertain about how a plan works with Coastal Internal Medicine, our staff is here to help.

   
   

Partnering with Dr. Mark O’Brien

Choosing the right Vista primary care doctor is just as important as selecting the right insurance. As your physician, Dr. O’Brien provides comprehensive internal medicine services, including preventive care, management of chronic conditions, same-day appointments for urgent issues, and referrals to specialists when needed. Establishing Dr. O’Brien as your primary care provider ensures you have a dedicated partner in your health journey.

Take Action This Open Enrollment Season

Open enrollment is your chance to make sure your insurance coverage and healthcare providers align with your needs. By confirming that Dr. Mark O’Brien at Coastal Internal Medicine is listed as your primary care doctor, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you have accessible, compassionate, and reliable care in place for the year ahead. If you're looking for the best internal medicine doctor, you've come to the right place!

Have questions about coverage or setting up an appointment? Contact our office today, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you get the most out of your healthcare benefits.