Health Insurance Guides & Answers

Plain-English answers to the questions I hear most — about Open Enrollment, ACA and private plans, coverage for the self-employed, and life changes that affect your insurance. Every article is written and reviewed by Heath Heimlich, a licensed health insurance broker in 32 states.

Small Business

ICHRA vs. QSEHRA: Which Fits Your Small Business?

ICHRA and QSEHRA both reimburse employees for individual health insurance. Compare size rules, limits, employee classes, and tax-credit effects to pick the right one.

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Coverage Basics

Health Insurance Grace Period: What Happens If You Miss a Payment?

Missed a premium payment? Marketplace enrollees with tax credits usually get three months. Here's how grace periods work, what happens to claims, and how to keep coverage.

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Coverage Basics

What Is the Colorado Option? A Plain-English Guide for 2027

The Colorado Option is a standardized ACA plan insurers must offer in Colorado. Here's what it covers, how to find one on Connect for Health Colorado, and when another plan may fit better.

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Coverage Basics

Catastrophic Health Insurance: Who Qualifies and Is It Worth It?

Catastrophic plans offer low premiums and worst-case protection, but only some people qualify. See the 2027 eligibility rules and how they compare with Bronze plans.

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Coverage Basics

Are Bronze Plans HSA-Eligible? What Changed in 2026

A 2025 law made Bronze and Catastrophic plans HSA-compatible from 2026. Here's what changed, the 2027 contribution limits, and who benefits most.

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Coverage Basics

Deductible vs. Out-of-Pocket Maximum: What You'll Actually Pay

Learn how your deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum add up, with a worked example and the 2027 federal cap.

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Coverage Basics

HMO vs. PPO: Key Differences, Plus EPO and POS Plans

Network type decides which doctors you can see. Compare HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plans on referrals, out-of-network coverage, and premium.

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Life Changes

COBRA vs. Marketplace: Which Is Better After a Job Loss?

Lost your job-based coverage? Compare COBRA with a marketplace plan on cost, doctors, deductibles, and deadlines, and learn when switching later is allowed.

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Life Changes

Health Insurance for Early Retirees: Your Options Before Medicare

Retiring before 65? Compare your coverage options until Medicare and see how IRA withdrawals, Roth conversions, and other income change your marketplace tax credit.

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Coverage Basics

How Do Health Insurance Brokers Get Paid? Do They Cost You Money?

Brokers are paid by insurers, so your premium is the same with or without one. Here's how commissions work, what a broker does, and how to choose a good one.

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Coverage Basics

Bronze vs. Silver vs. Gold Health Plans: How to Choose for 2027

Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans cover the same benefits but split costs differently. Learn what each level means and simple rules for picking one for 2027.

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Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment Checklist 2027: What You Need Before You Enroll

Gather these documents, income numbers, and doctor details before you apply for 2027 health insurance, plus the plan fields to compare and the dates to remember.

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Open Enrollment

ACA Subsidy Cliff and Income Limits for 2027: What Happens Over 400% FPL

Premium tax credits stop above 400% of the federal poverty level in 2027. See the income line for your household size, how marketplace income is counted, and your options on each side.

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Open Enrollment

Does Health Insurance Automatically Renew? What to Check for 2027

If you do nothing this Open Enrollment, you'll likely be renewed into your current plan. Here's how auto-renewal works and the five things to check before you let it happen.

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Open Enrollment

Why Is Health Insurance Going Up in 2027?

Insurers raised rates and enhanced tax credits expired, so many 2027 renewal notices show a higher price. Here's what's driving it and what you can do.

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Open Enrollment

My Health Plan Is Being Discontinued for 2027. What Should I Do?

Several insurers are leaving marketplaces at the end of 2026. If you got a discontinuation notice, here's what happens next and how to choose a replacement with no gap.

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