To say a lot has changed in the healthcare industry would be a huge understatement.

With the Affordable Care Act now in effect, millions of Americans are still wondering what changes the law has brought to their existing healthcare plans, and millions more are becoming healthcare consumers for the first time.

Before the ACA, few consumers were truly responsible for selecting their healthcare coverage themselves. Many were enrolled through their employer, and others were ineligible for coverage because of preexisting medical conditions or financial restrictions.

The ACA has made healthcare available to everyone, which opens up a whole new market and gives millions of Americans the power to choose a plan from a variety of options. Government subsidies have also made healthcare more affordable for those with financial constraints.

However, all the decision-making power in the world doesn’t mean consumers are necessarily informed to make a choice. Most people don’t know enough about the system, their options, or the penalties that come with not enrolling.

For one thing, now that the enrollment deadline and extension period have passed, Americans without insurance will be forced to pay a tax penalty on their 2014 federal tax returns. Paying the penalty does not exempt you from coverage, though, and fees for not enrolling increase every year.

A lack of education has kept many from enrolling. To reap the full benefits of the ACA when open enrollment returns in November, Americans need to become better healthcare consumers.

How to Become a Better Healthcare Consumer

Just as you would do thorough research before buying a car or picking out a new computer, you need to explore all your healthcare options before making a decision. To become a better consumer, you should:

1. Gather Information

If you don’t know the details of the new law or what options are available to you, seek out information from reliable sources. HealthCare.gov is now fully functional, or you can call 1-800-318-2596 if you prefer to speak to a person. Many states also have area-specific information on their websites, or you can visit sites such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and SelectHealth for additional resources.

2. Understand the Language

The healthcare industry has its own language. And while no one expects you to be fluent in that language, you must have a basic understanding so you know what you’re signing up for. Consumer Reports offers an overview of basic healthcare terminology you need to understand when shopping for insurance.

3. Do Plenty of Comparison Shopping

If you were buying a big-screen TV, you would undoubtedly do extensive comparison shopping to ensure you were selecting the right product for the best price. Healthcare should be no different. Shop around to find a plan that best suits your needs.

4. Understand What Your Plan Doesn’t Cover

Now that you’re the consumer, you should look closely at what your plan does and does not cover. It may cover your knee surgery, but does it cover crutches? Your doctor may be a provider, but is the hospital where the surgery will be performed part of your network? You don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected fees later.

5. Get Opinions

Understanding the reputation of a healthcare plan can be just as beneficial as knowing the price. Ask your friends and family members about their experiences with a company or particular plan. A less expensive plan won’t do you any good if you have to fight the company over every service.

6. Double-Check Everything

Reading the explanation of benefits that you receive in the mail may seem boring, but it’s incredibly important. Always check that your bill is accurate, and speak up if you notice any suspicious charges or fees.

The Affordable Care Act can be a source of stress if you’ve never bought health insurance before, but the best way to deal with the anxiety is to educate yourself on all your options so you can make an informed decision. The hassle of doing your research now will be worth it when you have reliable health coverage in the future.

Todd Wolfenbarger has more than 25 years of senior marketing experience with Fortune 50 companies in various industries and with his own marketing consultancy. He currently serves as president and partner of The Summit Group, an award-winning marketing communications firm at West Temple in Salt Lake City that specializes in the healthcare, franchise marketing, and consumer retail sectors.