Common Mistakes That Could Make You Lose Your Health Coverage in 2026
Having active health coverage is one of the smartest decisions you can make to protect your well-being and your finances. However, many people lose their insurance due to small, avoidable mistakes.
Whether it’s forgetting to update your information or missing a premium payment, even a minor oversight could leave you uninsured when you need protection the most.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common mistakes that could make you lose your health coverage — and, more importantly, how to prevent them to keep your plan active year-round.
1. Missing Your Monthly Premium Payments
One of the most frequent mistakes is not paying your monthly premiums on time.
ACA (Marketplace) health plans typically offer a 30-day grace period—or up to 90 days if you receive a subsidy. If payment isn’t received within that timeframe, your coverage could be automatically terminated.
How to avoid this:
Set up automatic payments through your bank or your insurance portal.
Add payment reminders to your calendar.
If you’re struggling to pay, contact your insurer before the due date—some offer temporary payment options.
2. Failing to Update Your Personal or Income Information
Your eligibility and subsidy amount depend on your household and income details.
If you get a new job, get married, move, or experience an income change, you must report it to the Health Insurance Marketplace or your licensed agent.
Failing to do so can lead to:
Losing your financial assistance (premium tax credits).
Having to repay part of your subsidy during tax season.
How to avoid this:
Log in to your Marketplace account and report any life changes right away.
Notify your SF Solutions agent so they can help you update your file correctly.
3. Skipping Plan Renewal During Open Enrollment
Each year, the Open Enrollment Period allows you to review, renew, or switch your health plan.
If you don’t take action, your plan may automatically renew — but not always with the same benefits or price.
Some plans change carriers or are discontinued altogether. Not reviewing your coverage could leave you without a plan or paying higher premiums.
How to avoid this:
Mark your calendar for Open Enrollment (typically November 1 through January 15).
Compare updated options with help from a licensed agent.
Confirm your renewal before the deadline.
4. Ignoring Requests from Your Insurance Company or Marketplace
The Marketplace and insurance carriers may request documents to verify your identity, income, or immigration status.
If you don’t submit these documents on time, your coverage may be suspended or canceled.
How to avoid this:
Check your email, mail, and Marketplace account regularly.
Keep digital copies of all documents submitted.
If you’re unsure what’s being requested, contact your agent or SF Solutions immediately.
5. Misusing or Neglecting Your Health Insurance
Some people assume that if they don’t use their insurance, nothing will change.
However, failing to use preventive services or visiting out-of-network providers can cause financial or administrative issues later.
How to avoid this:
Know which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
Take advantage of preventive checkups (often covered at no cost).
Always present your insurance card at appointments.
6. Not Communicating with Your Insurance Provider
Many people lose coverage simply because they don’t clarify errors or concerns in time.
A simple issue—like a misapplied payment or a wrong mailing address—can be fixed easily if caught early.
How to avoid this:
Keep your insurer’s and agent’s contact numbers handy.
Don’t ignore letters or emails from your health plan.
Request written confirmation for any changes or updates.
7. Ignoring Your Tax Form 1095-A
If you have a Marketplace plan, you’ll receive Form 1095-A each year. This document is vital for filing taxes and reconciling your premium tax credits.
If you forget to file it, or file it incorrectly, it can affect your future coverage eligibility.
How to avoid this:
Keep your 1095-A form with your tax records.
Report any errors immediately to the Marketplace.
Ask your tax preparer or advisor for help if needed.
8. Not Seeking Professional Help
Many of these mistakes happen because people don’t work with a certified agent.
A licensed agent—like those at SF Solutions—can help you maintain your plan, renew your coverage, and avoid losing benefits.
How to avoid this:
Don’t wait until the last day of enrollment to get help.
Partner with a trusted agent who understands your situation.
Schedule an annual coverage review to stay updated.
