November Decisions and Daylight

Some notable events happen in November, at least in the United States, and they can directly affect our individual and collective health. Some happen within the first 3 days of November this year.

• Time- from Daylight Saving to Standard
• Healthcare-changing Medicare, ACA, or employer-sponsored health plans
• Elections-Voters choose among candidates to fill multiple federal, state, and local offices

Daylight Saving Time ends on November 1

In most of the United States and Canada, we will resume standard time on Sunday, November 1 at 2 AM. Unless you’re awake at that time, you’ll probably want to change your clocks before going to bed Saturday night, which is Halloween October 31, 2026. (Although many clocks change automatically now.)

That means sunsets will come even earlier than they have been, and there will be fewer daylight hours until the first day of winter, December 21. If you live south of the equator, you welcome more sunshine instead.

Some people may not feel any different as far as sleep and sleepiness due to the change. For most people, “falling back” is less disruptive to sleep than “springing forward.”

Here are some tips to help you adjust to the new day-night schedule of light and dark.

Night before and morning of

1. Keep your regular bedtime the night before — treat the clock change like a normal night of sleep so you preserve your circadian rhythm.
2. Avoid a late bedtime because of the “extra” hour — going to bed much later undermines the benefit of the gained hour.
3. Wake at your usual time on Monday even if you feel rested; consistent wake times anchor sleep timing and help adjust quickly.

Gradual schedule shift if you’re sensitive

1. Shift sleep-wake by 15–30 minutes for 2–3 days before if you know you’re sensitive to schedule changes.
2. Split the difference after the change by keeping the new clock time but nudging bedtime slightly earlier for a few nights.

Use light strategically

1. Get bright morning light as soon as practical after waking to advance circadian timing and reduce morning grogginess.
2. Dim evening light and avoid screens 60–90 minutes before bed to encourage melatonin production and earlier sleep onset.

Health Insurance Enrollment for 2027

Many people can change their health insurance in November.

Medicare is available to anyone at age 65 and certain other people. Enrollees can make changes from October 15 to December 7.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare CostPlans,Demonstrations/Pilots, and Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

If you aren’t eligible for Medicare or an employer-sponsored insurance plan, you may get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, with open enrollment starting November 1 through January 15.

If you are covered by an employer-sponsored health plan, you may be required to sign up for next year’s coverage, especially if you want to change coverage options. Otherwise, you may automatically be enrolled into the same plan.

Whatever plan you choose, you should carefully evaluate options, especially out-of-pocket costs. In a previous post, I reported on the problem of medical debt, due to unexpected expenses not covered by insurance.

Your out-of-pocket medical expenses may increase with a less expensive insurance plan if it requires higher deductibles and co-pays than a plan with higher premiums. You should consider the cost of anticipated health care as you choose coverage.

Tuesday, November 4-United States Elections

Commonly referred to as the midterms, the United States holds elections for all federal, state, and local offices open due to an expiring term, death, or resignation. We will not elect another President and Vice President until 2028.

📌 Note: Election dates and contests can vary by locality. It’s always best to check with your local election office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How Voting Affects Your Health

State and local governments play a vital role in our communities by funding, organizing, and regulating essential health services. State health departments set public health policies, direct disease prevention programs, and manage emergency responses.

Some local governments operate health departments and clinics that provide direct care like vaccinations, maternal health services, and screenings. They also monitor water quality, food safety, and environmental hazards, keeping us safer. 

Since elected officials oversee these services, voting in local elections directly impacts the quality and availability of care. Local leaders decide budgets for hospitals, mental health programs, and emergency medical services, and they influence partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and first responders.

When we vote, we choose the decision-makers who determine how resources are allocated, which programs are prioritized, and how quickly communities can respond to crises. Thus, local elections shape the health systems that touch our lives every day—making participation vital for strong, resilient communities. 

Making Decisions

Most of us are confronted with important decisions this month. Who to vote for? What insurance program to use? How to spend the holidays?

1. What decision is most important to you now?
2. What resources will you use to help you make the best decision?
3. What do you need to do now to be ready? How will you make sure you follow through?

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha

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