Healthcare affordability issues might make upcoming insurance enrollment even more stressful. A Minnesota assistance leader said it is understandable but consumers cannot let fear overtake preparation.

Enrollment starts November 1 for people using MNsure, the state's online marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.

Megan Bremmon, MNsure navigation services program director for Generations Health Care Initiatives in Duluth, said there is currently "information overload" in healthcare spaces but consumers still need to get ready, including letting whoever handles your coverage know about recent changes.

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"Making sure they have your right mailing address because a lot of mail is going to go out. Making sure that the income they have on file is correct. Those are all things you can do right now to make sure you're prepared for open enrollment," Bremmon recommended.

MNsure also facilitates enrollment for the state's Medicaid program, as well as MinnesotaCare, a separate public program for low-income households. New federal work requirements for Medicaid begin in January and Bremmon pointed out now is a good time for enrollees to see if they are exempt or start collecting work stubs and volunteer logs, knowing they will be asked about it next year.

Gallup polling shows healthcare affordability for U.S. adults is at a five-year low. Industry observers said rising costs and a decline in federal support, including expired Affordable Care Act subsidies, could prompt more policyholders to drop their coverage.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, explained forgoing medical insurance can cost more in the long run.

"Think about the stage in life you are now, if your healthcare needs and those of your family have changed over the past year, what you might expect if you've been diagnosed with a new condition, if you're planning to grow your family or need a procedure," Randall outlined.

Meanwhile, the new Medicaid work requirements generally are only for nonpregnant adults who do not have dependent children and who do not have a disability. Medicaid enrollment is not limited to an annual window.

Separately, seniors on Medicare are starting to see messaging about their enrollment period, which begins October 15.