Health Insurance
There is a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that enables qualifying consumers to enroll into a Marketplace coverage for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. To qualify, the total household income must fall at or below 150% of the…
Uninsured right now and don’t want to be? Then you’re likely wondering how much health insurance is going to cost you. Whether you get your health plan through your employer or purchase it through the Marketplace, it’s probably a lot…
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures that all eligible Americans get an opportunity once a year to buy affordable health coverage for themselves and their families. This is known as Open Enrollment Period, and this year it is from November…
If you don’t have access to health insurance coverage through your employer, what do you do? Fortunately, many low-income Americans can access health coverage, and healthcare, through Medicaid. But what if you earn too much to qualify for Medicaid in…
The American Rescue Plan was recently signed into law. This is the largest expansion of the Affordable Care Act since it was signed in 2010, and the American Rescue plan expands subsidies significantly, both increasing subsidies for those who qualified…
The Biden-Harris administration has recently announced a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) where all eligible residents can sign up for health coverage from February 15 to August 15—and they don’t need a Qualifying Life Event to do so. We’ll explain…
Interested in Obamacare, but afraid the premiums will be expensive? Here’s some great news. Obamacare, a common name for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace, are very affordable—96% of people who enrolled through HealthSherpa during…
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special kind of savings account for those who have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Using this account, you can contribute pre-tax dollars to be used for qualified medical expenses. So what does…
A cafeteria plan is a certain kind of employee benefit plan where employers offer their employees a number of different pre-tax benefit options from which they may choose. This is sometimes also referred to as a flexible benefits plan. With…
A major win of the Affordable Care Act was the inclusion of Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) in all ACA-compliant health insurance plans. Most broadly, Essential Health Benefits are a way to describe ten categories of services that these plans must…
Once a year, all eligible Americans get a chance to shop the Health Insurance Marketplace and get a Marketplace plan, also known as Obamacare or an Affordable Care Act plan. This time is known as the annual Open Enrollment Period…
If you have health insurance, then you’ve likely heard about coinsurance. But you may not know what this is, and how it relates to your coverage. Simply put, coinsurance is the percentage of a covered health service you will pay…
A Catastrophic health plan has very low monthly premiums and a very high annual deductible. These plans offer people who don’t access healthcare very often a way to protect themselves against worst-case scenarios. With a Catastrophic plan, you’ll have to…
Open Enrollment is the designated time when most Americans can buy health insurance for the 2021 calendar year from the Health Insurance Marketplace. In most states, the 2021 Open Enrollment Period runs from Nov. 1, 2020 – Dec. 15, 2020….
In shopping for Marketplace health insurance and learning if you might qualify for certain health insurance tax subsidies, Medicaid, or CHIP you’ll hear a lot about the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Where your annual household income and household size stands…
If you just lost your spouse and got health insurance through them, you don’t need to be uninsured now. The death of a policy holder is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that allows the surviving spouse and dependents to be…
Did you just go through a divorce and need health insurance? Good news: Divorce is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). And QLEs trigger what is known as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). A SEP allows you to enroll in Marketplace…
If you have just welcomed a new baby into your family, you’ll want to ensure that the whole family is now covered by health insurance. Fortunately, the birth or adoption of a child is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that…
Did you just move and need health insurance? Good news: Moving to a different ZIP code or county is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). And QLEs trigger what is known as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). A SEP allows you…
Not all health insurance plans are created equal. While certain plans may call themselves health insurance, some may not have the regulations and consumer protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such as covering pre-existing conditions. And due to…
One of the cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was financial support from the federal government for states to expand their Medicaid programs. But as of January 2020, there are 14 states in the U.S. that have not expanded…
Picking a health plan can be tricky enough without deciphering acronyms. If you’re not sure what to make of a PPO versus an HMO or any of the other things you may come across while shopping for a plan, know…
HMO? PPO? POS? What does it all mean? When picking a health plan that is best for you and your family, you may be hit with a slew of acronyms. These things all stand for different kinds of health insurance…
While searching for affordable health insurance options, you may come across something called healthcare-sharing ministries, or health sharing ministries. Healthcare-sharing ministries are not technically health insurance, so if you’re looking for health insurance, you’re better off with a Marketplace plan…
We’ve translated some of the confusing terminology around health insurance into plain English so you can better understand your health insurance coverage. Here are the main health insurance terms you need to know before you enroll. Grab our list of…
In the past, employers who offered their employees health coverage generally had to do this through one or more traditional group health insurance plans. As of January 1st, 2020, employers can now choose to offer an alternative: employees can instead…
Are you or your family enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)? If you have any changes to your income or household, you’ll want to report these right away. Why? Because the amount you earn can impact…
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors’ offices are closed for all non-emergency care. And unfortunately, some have simply closed indefinitely, unable to keep their doors open without being able to see their normal volume of patients. Nearly…
One of the key accomplishments of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the introduction of subsidies for health insurance bought on the health insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is the government’s platform for health insurance. And these Obamacare subsidies lower the…
One significant impact the Trump administration has had on Medicaid is the encouragement of states to implement work requirements for enrollees. Medicaid is the government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults. It…
Family planning is a key component of health care for all people of reproductive age. And fortunately, all state Medicaid programs must offer some form of family planning benefits. Benefits vary by state, but health care providers and pharmacies may…
Have an Obamacare plan? Have a life change like a move or marriage or new income? Then you have to report these changes to the Health Insurance Marketplace. That’s because life changes like these can affect your Marketplace coverage. For…
Researching affordable health care options? Then you’ve likely heard about High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). A High-Deductible Health Plan plan has a higher deductible than a standard insurance plan. But these plans can be combined with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to maximize…
For many trans folks, navigating the United States health care system can be complicated. Transgender individuals often struggle when it comes to finding health care providers who understand the nuances of trans health care. Not all providers are cognizant of…
If you’ve lost your health insurance because you’ve lost your job or had your hours cut recently, as millions of Americans have due to COVID-19, you’ll qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period so that you can enroll in an…
If you’re applying for health insurance on the Marketplace, one number you’ll need on hand is your annual income. Are you one of the people looking for a plan now after being laid off or having your hours reduced? Then…
Tax season can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Doing your taxes when you have a Marketplace health plan doesn’t need to be worrisome. Have a Marketplace health plan (also known as an Affordable Care Act or Obamacare…
Right now, many Americans are practicing social distancing to help “flatten the curve” of the transmission of coronavirus. But at the same time, they are also seeking information on what to do should they contract COVID-19. If you are concerned…
Between 1-2 percent of all babies born in the United States each year are conceived with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which egg and sperm are combined outside…
Looking for affordable health insurance? We understand why you might be overwhelmed. With all the options out in the Marketplace, it can be hard to know where to start. To make your search for the best health insurance plan and…
Whether you have health insurance through your employer or buy your own health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you typically can only get comprehensive health insurance during an annual Open Enrollment Period…
Have cancer and wondering if you can still get health insurance? Cancer coverage does exist, and is a key part of how the Affordable Care Act changed health insurance. Cancer and the Affordable Care Act Plans that comply with the…
If you are looking to buy health insurance for yourself, you likely know about the Marketplace. There, you can buy Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant Obamacare plans. But there are a very limited number of non-Obamacare health plans offered off the…
Wondering about how Obamacare impacts your taxes? And if having an Affordable Care Act plan can translate into more money back? Obamacare and the premium tax credit If you have an Obamacare plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, then you…
Can I get Obamacare health insurance if I have type 1 diabetes? How the Affordable Care Act helps Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance companies in the United States cannot deny you health insurance coverage or discriminate…
Thinking about getting short-term health insurance? There are some things you should know first. What do short-term health insurance plans cover? Insurance companies only sell their short-term plans outside of the Marketplace. They may look like an attractive option at…
Have you heard about the public charge rule in the news? You may be concerned about how this impacts you and your family. Here’s some more information on the rule and where it stands today. Note: this post should not…
One of the key components of the original version of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the “individual mandate.” In the world of health insurance, that means a requirement to have health coverage. The ACA had an individual mandate, meaning…
Live in California? Don’t forget that your have an extended 2021 Open Enrollment Period in your state. California’s Open Enrollment Period through their state-run exchange, Covered California, runs from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Call (855) 772-2663 to…
There’s some great news in store for those shopping the Marketplace during the 2020 Open Enrollment Period. Those looking for Affordable Care Act plans will find that 60 percent of Marketplace insurers plan to broaden their participation in the ACA…
Wondering if you need to use a broker to get health insurance? In short: It’s personal. You don’t have to use a health insurance broker to get health insurance if you are looking to buy Obamacare from the Affordable Care…
Need help applying for Obamacare? You don’t have to do it alone. There are lots of resources available to help you understand your coverage options. Likewise, there are lots of tools for applying for and apply for Affordable Care Act-compliant…
Open Enrollment Period is the time when anyone can enroll in Obamacare health plans each year. Want to know how to get health insurance after Open Enrollment has passed? You have two main options for getting health care for a…
At what age can you get AARP health insurance? Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. There are many different kinds of Medicare plans. The federal government administers some of these plans. Others, though, can be purchased…
2020 Open Enrollment is the designated time when most Americans can buy health insurance for the 2020 calendar year from the Health Insurance Marketplace. In most states, the 2020 Open Enrollment Period runs from Nov. 1, 2019 – Dec. 15,…
Wondering how to get health insurance after your COBRA ends? Don’t feel overwhelmed. When your COBRA health insurance runs out, you can be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to enroll in an Obamacare health plan….
Still need health insurance for 2019? If you are uninsured and still in need of health coverage for 2019, you have a couple of coverage options. You might be able to get health insurance if you have had a Qualifying…
Signed up for an Obamacare plan on the Marketplace? You are one step closer to accessing high-quality health care. The next step? Finding great doctors or providers in-network for your health plan. If you’re looking for how to find a…
Wondering if it is cheaper to get health insurance through an agent? Here’s what you need to know. It is not cheaper to get health insurance through an agent instead of shopping the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace and comparing prices…
Yes, you will need to re-apply for Medicaid every year. But don’t worry: Doing so is easy. What is Medicaid First, a reminder: Medicaid is a program jointly funded by the federal government and the states to provide health insurance…
There’s a reason the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants you to get a flu shot. During the 2017-1018 flu season alone, the group estimates that 49,000,000 American contracted the flu. And this one flu season resulted in…
Currently enrolled in an Obamacare plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace? Then you already know how great it is to have health insurance coverage that, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, has built-in consumer protections. And you also know that,…
It’s almost time for the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP), the designated time each year when eligible Americans can buy a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Thanks to the ACA, all Marketplace…
Medical bankruptcy: It’s a real reality for too many Americans afraid that one emergency could lead to financial ruin. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) led to major wins in terms of consumer protections when it comes to the quality…
If you’re unemployed, self-employed, or if your employer does not offer a health insurance plan, don’t worry. You can still get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace. And also, eligible low-income people have several other coverage…
Lawfully present immigrants and U.S. citizens can shop for insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace and purchase an Obamacare health plan. Options for “lawfully present” immigrants According to federal regulations, a “lawfully present” immigrant is someone who…
Options for lawfully present immigrants Lawfully present immigrants, U.S. citizens, and “qualified non-citizens” in the United States are eligible to shop for Obamacare health plans from the Health Insurance Marketplace. This includes green card holders, lawful permanent residents, asylum seekers,…
You may be able to add your parents to your Marketplace plan if they are part of your tax household. Over the age of 26? Then this usually only applies if you can claim your parents on your tax return….
Yes, people with felony convictions can get Affordable Care Act health insurance in the United States. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, people with felony convictions are now eligible to apply for Medicaid health care upon release from prison….
Wondering if international students can get Obamacare while studying in the United States? First, it’s important to familiarize yourself with is your student visa requirements. If you are a J-1 visa holder, the U.S. government will require you to have…
Can undocumented immigrants get health insurance in the U.S.? Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants in the United States have few coverage options. They do not qualify to apply for Affordable Care Act Marketplace health coverage, and are also ineligible to apply for…
Want to buy Marketplace health insurance in another state? As the law exists now, you can only buy health insurance in the state where you maintain your permanent address. Your insurance company may not cover you if you move states…
On your parents’ health insurance? Worried about at what age you’ll get kicked off your parents’ health insurance? Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the landmark Obama administration healthcare law, young adults are now able to stay on their…
Ready to create a HealthCare.gov account? Want to shop the Health Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment? Not sure how? Don’t worry: Creating a HealthCare.gov account is simple. Five quick steps are all it takes. First, you’ll enter some basic information…
Not sure how to log into your HealthCare.gov account? Most simply, you’ll just need the username and password you established when you created your HealthCare.gov account. Can’t remember those? Accounts created after February 2014 will have used your email address…
Need health insurance just for your child? If you have health insurance already, here’s the good news. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, any child of yours can be covered on your health plan up until they turn 26 years…
You can reach HealthCare.gov at 800-318-2596. Many questions you might have can likely also be answered on the HealthCare.gov website, where they have answers to their most frequently asked questions posted online. You can also contact a member of the…
Ready to log in to the HealthCare.gov Marketplace? Not sure how or what you can do once there? Grab our free step-by-step guide to enrolling in Marketplace health insurance here. You can shop for a Health Insurance Marketplace plan on…
Want to apply for Obamacare but don’t know how? You can apply for Obamacare health insurance here, and you can Grab our free step-by-step guide to enrolling in Marketplace health insurance here. For most people, you’ll be able to apply for…
If you’re in need of cheap health insurance, don’t assume that Marketplace medical insurance is not for you. Obamacare plans When you shop for Obamacare, whether through HealthSherpa or HealthCare.gov, you’ll automatically find out the cost savings available to you…
Wondering if you can buy health insurance that is not Obamacare? The answer is yes. But, it’s not as simple as that. There are a very limited number of non-Obamacare health plans offered off the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans…
Had benefits at a job you are now leaving? You may be worried about a health insurance gap between jobs. But remember that you have the option of COBRA health insurance. COBRA health insurance allows you to continue the health…
Uninsured or unable to afford healthcare for any number of reasons? Fortunately, there are free and low-cost health clinics out there. But thanks to community health centers and free clinics across the country, there is affordable healthcare accessible to you….
What is a copayment, when is it due, and what does it cover? It can seem overwhelming. That is, until you break it down and understand the way that copays work within the health insurance system. Here’s what you need…
Worried that one health emergency might lead to a pile of medical bills that would wreck your financial security? Healthcare costs don’t have to keep you awake at night. You can hedge your worries knowing that thanks to the Affordable…
It’s never too soon to start preparing for the annual Open Enrollment Period. If you’re ready to shop the Health Insurance Marketplace, but not sure of what plan is best for you, we’ve got your first step. Start by understanding…
Heard about HealthCare.gov but not sure what it is, what it does, or how to use it? This government website is there to help you get health insurance coverage. But it does more than just let you apply for an…
Are you worried about paying higher premiums for health insurance as a result of a medical condition you currently have or have had in the past? If so, you don’t have to be. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies…
Sometimes, your life changes. And sometimes when it does, so can your health insurance. Enter the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), or a period when you can apply for new health insurance as a result of what’s known as a “Qualifying Life…
If you’re looking to apply for Marketplace health insurance you’ve come to the right place. But before we get started, what is the Health Insurance Marketplace? The Marketplace is a service that allows you to search for, compare and buy…
If your employer offers insurance benefits, it can feel like a real employment win. When an employer pays for some or all of your monthly premiums, it can really help make health insurance affordable. It’s no surprise then that employer-based…
Obamacare. ACA. The Affordable Care Act. HealthCare.gov. The Marketplace. Healthcare exchanges. Just deciphering the language alone can be confusing, and that’s before you even try to sign-up for health insurance. Then comes determining what kind of coverage you’re eligible for….
Regardless of employment status, Americans across the country are constantly navigating through their health insurance options, to make sure they have coverage that best suits their healthcare needs. And the issue can become all the more pressing when a person’s…
What’s a primary care provider (PCP)? One way you can think about them is as the captain of your healthcare ship. In the American healthcare system, they’re the first line of defense. A PCP can help you assess any new…
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many young people choose to stay on their parent’s health insurance for as long as possible, and with good reason. The landmark healthcare law, also known as Obamacare, allows young adults to stay on…
For most people, navigating the world of health insurance can be confusing. Especially because there’s all sorts of lingo and jargon we don’t normally encounter in our daily lives. That’s why HealthSherpa put together a quick and easy alphabetized guide…
Moving is a big life event, whether you’re moving for a new job, to attend school, or simply to start your next adventure in life. And between finding new housing, packing, and doing the actual moving, the last thing you…
Finding health insurance if you’re self-employed is another part of becoming an independent worker, and searching for an insurance company, or comparing health insurance plans, may seem like a time consuming task. Especially when working solo. But, it’s actually easier than ever to shop for a healthcare plan, regardless…
When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010, one key component of the landmark healthcare law was the “individual mandate.” The individual mandate required almost all Americans to have health insurance coverage. If you didn’t get covered? Well, then you paid a penalty fee. Republican lawmakers took issue with…
Health insurance plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some health insurance plans are better for healthy single people without any children, and some health insurance plans make more sense for people with chronic medical conditions, or dependent…
Prior to the Affordable Care Act, many people went without preventive health coverage. Now that no longer has to be the case. Every health insurance plan must cover a handful of essential health benefits including preventive care. That means, if you sign up for a health insurance plan through the…
Nobody likes to get an unexpected bill, especially one related to a necessary medical service. But it’s easy to be taken by surprise if you don’t understand your health insurance deductible. To avoid being caught off guard, it’s important to…
When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s important to take into consideration the costs of the prescription drugs you and your family members will need. While the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to include prescription drugs in their health plans, they are not always covered at full or even…
At HealthSherpa, it’s our mission to help every American feel the comfort and security of having health coverage. As you probably know the Open Enrollment Period—the period when you can buy or change your Marketplace health insurance plan—has passed in…
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, millions of Americans have enrolled in health coverage. However, 27.6 million people across the United States remain uninsured. This means that it’s still crucial to spread the word about the…
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 609,640 people will die from the disease this year. In 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors…
The federal government manages safety net programs, also known as welfare programs, to aid low-income Americans and to protect families from poverty. These programs are essentially government subsidies that help offset the costs of everything from health insurance to food…
Each year, there is an Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when almost all Americans can buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The dates of the Open Enrollment Period change every year. — Before we get started, make sure to…
There are many decisions in life that can be incredibly stressful. They require a lot of Googling, consulting with friends or family, and in the end we’re still left wondering, did I make the right choice? Choosing a health insurance…
When it comes to your overall health, it’s easy to take healthy eyes and vision for granted. With around 76 percent of adults in the U.S. wearing glasses or contacts for vision correction, adopting good eye health habits is essential….
It’s no secret that LGBTQ people face a variety of specific barriers when it comes to healthcare. While there have been some strides in the awareness and healthcare of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer patients, there are still some…
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act’s consumer protections, financial subsidies, and associated Medicaid expansion, Washington state’s uninsured population has decreased significantly in recent years. The rate went from 14 percent in 2013—the year before the ACA went into effect—to 5.8…
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted, nearly 600,000 Coloradans have gained health insurance coverage. But 6.7 percent of the state’s residents are still uninsured, with those ages 19-30 representing the largest group. If you’re looking for coverage, here’s what…
Each year, more than 10 million women and men in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Experiencing domestic violence is correlated with poorer physical and psychological health,…
As marriage rates in the United States have fallen, cohabitation rates have increased. In 2016, more than 18 million adults lived with an unmarried partner, a 29 percent increase from 2007. While some couples are simply not ready to get…
You’ve enrolled in the best health insurance plan for your needs, and now it’s time to get the medical care you’ve paid for. But before you make an appointment with a doctor, make sure to confirm that your provider is…
Insurance can be complicated, and medical billing can be even more difficult to understand. Most people would prefer to just go to the doctor’s office, have insurance take care of all the payments in the backend, and never think about…
Millions of Americans have drug addictions that require treatment, but until recent years, drug rehab and other treatments often resulted in high out-of-pocket costs, making them inaccessible for many. In fact, only approximately 11 percent of the nearly 22 million…
Health insurance and healthcare costs can be high in the United States compared to other developed countries, but there are subsidies and public assistance programs that can help. One of the biggest programs is Medicaid. What exactly is Medicaid and…
Healthcare costs in the United States can be extremely high, making it crucial to have health insurance. In order to make health care more affordable for Americans, the Affordable Care Act was crafted to include two subsidy programs. Thanks to…
A record-breaking 4.3 million New Yorkers enrolled in comprehensive health coverage through NY State of Health for 2018, a total that’s 700,000 higher than the previous year. If you’re new to the Empire State or haven’t bought individual health insurance…
More than a third of Americans get part or all of their income from freelancing these days as more people look for flexibility in their work lives. Studies project that by 2020, up to half of the American workforce will…
Average health insurance costs for employer-sponsored health insurance in 2019 was approximately $599 for individual coverage, with average monthly employee contributions of approximately $104, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. But what about Americans who have to buy their own…
Typically, you can enroll in health insurance once a year, during the annual Open Enrollment Period. However, if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as having a baby or moving to a new state, you’ll also be able…
If you have health insurance, you most likely have a managed care plan, even if you’ve never heard the term before. Managed care plans are the majority of health insurance plans in the United States, but what exactly are they?…
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was signed into federal law in 1997, and exists to help fund health coverage for children at the state level. Each state has their own program in place, working to primarily serve low-income households….
Finding a health insurance plan that works best for you can be an overwhelming task. With the number of cancer diagnoses predicted to rise about 70% worldwide over the next couple decades, in addition to rising cancer treatment costs, quality…
Losing or quitting your job can be stressful enough by itself. But often it also comes with the added issue of losing employer-sponsored health insurance for you and your family. You’re presented with COBRA coverage as an option, and then…
Self-employment can be freeing in many ways, but it also comes with additional burdens such as mandatory quarterly estimated tax filings and having to pay for your own health insurance. But there is a pleasant surprise when tax season rolls…
In this recent post, we covered some of the essentials for understanding the relationship between health insurance and taxes. These key areas include: important paperwork (1095-A and 8962 forms), how the IRS verifies coverage, and how to file taxes if you…
When making important decisions about your healthcare coverage, being fully engaged and informed is crucial. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Making sense of jargon like “premium” and “deductible” can be overwhelming for most people — let alone those…
You might be wondering why you need to think about your health insurance during tax season. Since the Affordable Care Act went into effect, almost all Americans are required to have health insurance. Once tax season rolls around, you will…
The “individual mandate” requires almost all Americans to enroll in and obtain qualifying health insurance or pay a fine when filing taxes. Also known as the “individual shared responsibility payment” or “penalty” — this fine is calculated by the number…
More recently, mental wellness and options for care have come to the forefront of larger conversations around health in America. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), coverage for mental health has expanded extensively, with abundant opportunities for care now…
Understanding when you can enroll in Medicare can be confusing. There are quite a few enrollment dates and deadlines based on your eligibility and when you plan to enroll. In this article, we go over the four Medicare enrollment periods…
First, we want to acknowledge how challenging it can be to follow all the developments around Obamacare, healthcare, and insurance. With less than 2 weeks until Open Enrollment for 2018 coverage (which begins on November 1), things can get confusing…
Each year, there is an Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when almost all Americans can buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The dates of the Open Enrollment Period change every year. For 2018, the Open Enrollment Period is from…
Ten years ago, before the Affordable Care Act, more than 50 million Americans lived their lives without health insurance. These were families, including children and seniors, who lived every day not knowing if one case of the flu or an…
The Affordable Care Act is a healthcare reform law with three main goals: Expand access to health insurance. In 2009, more than 50 million Americans had no health insurance coverage. People without health insurance got just half as much medical…
By now, you’ve likely heard about all the choices you have when it comes to Medicare. While taking in this abundance of information, you may recall hearing about Medicare Supplement health insurance, also known as Medigap. And now you might…
One of the most important things to consider during your Medicare decision-making process is how to get your prescriptions covered. Luckily, if you need prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D), it’s easy to add on. You can add Part D…
You need health insurance. You’ve spent time comparing your options online, found the perfect plan, and are ready to start the enrollment process. However, depending on the time of year, you may or may not be able to enroll. During…
If you’re considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, a lot of questions are likely to pop up. “What is Medicare Advantage?” “Does it include prescription drug coverage?” “What are the different enrollment dates and deadlines?” Before you enroll, it’s important…
When enrolling in a new Medicare plan, it’s important to understand how the different parts work together. The problem is, learning about Medicare can easily turn into a full-time job. To make things a little easier (and to help you…
When choosing a health insurance plan through the Marketplace, it’s a good idea to understand common insurance terminology. That way you will have a better understanding of your health insurance costs, i.e. how much you can expect to pay throughout…
Choosing the right type of Medicare coverage is a big decision! You want to make sure you understand your options before you enroll. However, navigating through all of this information can be difficult so we’ve pulled the most important details…
Learning about Medicare can be incredibly confusing. There is a maze of information out there and sometimes that information can be hard to piece together. In this article, we’ll go through the key concepts of Medicare so you can feel…
Health insurance is important. When you have coverage you can easily receive routine checkups, fill prescriptions, visit a specialist, or take care of anything more serious. However, if you’re looking to enroll in health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, you…
If you or a family member have to undergo a medical procedure, you’re probably already feeling stressed. When an unexpected medical bill arrives afterward, it can feel like the last straw. Especially if it’s an “out-of-network” bill from an “in-network”…
Let’s say you’re one of the 12 million people who signed up for health insurance during Open Enrollment. You completed your eligibility application and enrolled in a health plan. Then, several months later, your family moves to another city. You…
When you compare your health insurance options on the Marketplace (aka Obamacare plans or Affordable Care Act plans), most people focus on the monthly premium cost. However, there are other important factors to consider when choosing a plan. One of…
When you’re hospitalized, a few important questions come up. What are my hospital visitation rights? Who is allowed to visit me in the hospital? Who can make medical decisions for me when I’m unable to? Over the years, laws have…
HIPAA does much more than simply protect the privacy of your medical records. It also guarantees you the right to access your medical records and gives you more control over how your personal health information is used and disclosed, which…
For most people, losing a job historically meant losing their health insurance. Under COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) most employers have to offer terminated employees similar coverage to the health insurance provided while they were employed. The problem…