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Health insurance, explained simply

Guides and comparisons to help you understand private PPO plans, COBRA alternatives, the Marketplace, and how to get covered with confidence.

  • Plain-English guides
  • COBRA & Marketplace comparisons
  • Tips for self-employed & more
  • Free advice from licensed advisors
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PPO vs. POS Health Plans: What's the Difference?
Plan Types

PPO vs. POS Health Plans: What's the Difference?

PPO and POS plans both offer out-of-network coverage, but referrals set them apart. Here's how to choose.

Aug 12, 2026 · 5 min read

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?
Enrollment

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

Open enrollment has a deadline — but you may not have to wait for it. Here's how enrollment timing really works.

Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min read

How Much Does COBRA Cost? A 2026 Breakdown
COBRA

How Much Does COBRA Cost? A 2026 Breakdown

COBRA lets you keep your plan — but at full price. Here's what it actually costs and how to compare a cheaper option.

Aug 1, 2026 · 6 min read

COBRA Alternatives: Cheaper Ways to Stay Covered in 2026
COBRA

COBRA Alternatives: Cheaper Ways to Stay Covered in 2026

COBRA isn't your only option after leaving a job. Here are the alternatives — and how to find the cheapest one for you.

Jul 31, 2026 · 6 min read

Can You Get Health Insurance Without a Job?
Losing Coverage

Can You Get Health Insurance Without a Job?

No job, no employer plan — but plenty of options. Here's how to get covered without traditional employment.

Jul 30, 2026 · 6 min read

Do Real Estate Agents Get Health Insurance?
Self-Employed

Do Real Estate Agents Get Health Insurance?

Brokerages rarely offer agents a health plan. Here's how realtors get covered on their own — and keep it between brokerages.

Jul 29, 2026 · 6 min read

Health Insurance Between Jobs: How to Stay Covered in the Gap
Losing Coverage

Health Insurance Between Jobs: How to Stay Covered in the Gap

A job change shouldn't mean going uninsured. Here's how to bridge the gap between jobs without overpaying.

Jul 11, 2026 · 7 min read

Short-Term Health Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes Sense
Plan Types

Short-Term Health Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes Sense

Short-term plans are cheap and fast — but the fine print matters. Here's what they cover and when a PPO is the better bridge.

Jul 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Health Insurance for Small Business Owners and LLCs
Self-Employed

Health Insurance for Small Business Owners and LLCs

Running your own business means arranging your own coverage. Here's how owners and LLCs get health insurance that fits.

Jul 8, 2026 · 8 min read

PPO vs. EPO: Which Health Plan Type Is Right for You?
Plan Types

PPO vs. EPO: Which Health Plan Type Is Right for You?

PPO and EPO plans look similar but handle networks and out-of-network care very differently. Here's how to choose.

Jul 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Health Insurance When You Move to a New State
Moving

Health Insurance When You Move to a New State

Relocating can quietly break your coverage, because most plans are tied to where you live. Here is how to move without a gap.

Jul 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? An Honest Breakdown
Cost

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? An Honest Breakdown

Private coverage isn't right for everyone. Here's an honest look at who it actually benefits and who's better off elsewhere.

Jul 5, 2026 · 7 min read

Is a $0-Deductible Health Plan Worth It?
Plan Basics

Is a $0-Deductible Health Plan Worth It?

Zero deductible sounds ideal, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Here is how to tell if it is worth the higher premium.

Jul 5, 2026 · 6 min read

Health Insurance for a New Baby: What to Do First
Life Events

Health Insurance for a New Baby: What to Do First

A new baby opens a special enrollment window and a short clock to add coverage. Here is exactly what to do first.

Jul 4, 2026 · 6 min read

What Is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum in Health Insurance?
Plan Basics

What Is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum in Health Insurance?

The out-of-pocket maximum is the number that caps your worst-case year. Here is what it is and why it can matter more than the deductible.

Jul 3, 2026 · 5 min read

How Much Is Health Insurance for a Family of 4? (2026)
Costs

How Much Is Health Insurance for a Family of 4? (2026)

Family coverage has more moving parts than an individual plan. Here is what shapes the price and how to compare it the smart way.

Jul 1, 2026 · 7 min read

Can You Get Health Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition?
Coverage

Can You Get Health Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition does not have to leave you uninsured — but the rules differ by plan type. Here is what to know.

Jun 30, 2026 · 6 min read

Turning 26: Your Health Insurance Options
Life Events

Turning 26: Your Health Insurance Options

Aging off a parents plan is one of the most common reasons young adults shop for their own coverage. Here is how to do it without a gap.

Jun 29, 2026 · 6 min read

How to Lower Your Health Insurance Premium: 7 Ways
Saving Money

How to Lower Your Health Insurance Premium: 7 Ways

Your premium is not fixed. Here are seven legitimate ways to bring the cost down without gambling on coverage you cannot use.

Jun 28, 2026 · 7 min read

COBRA vs. Private PPO: Which One Actually Saves You More?
COBRA

COBRA vs. Private PPO: Which One Actually Saves You More?

COBRA keeps your old plan, but you pay the full premium. Here's how a private PPO can compare on cost, network, and flexibility.

Jun 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: A Practical 2026 Guide
Self-Employed

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: A Practical 2026 Guide

No employer plan? Here's how self-employed professionals can find flexible coverage that fits a variable income.

Jun 4, 2026 · 9 min read

What Is a PPO Plan and How Does It Work?
Plan Basics

What Is a PPO Plan and How Does It Work?

PPO plans give you the freedom to see almost any doctor without a referral. Here's how they actually work.

May 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Can You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment?
Enrollment

Can You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment passed and you still need coverage? You have more paths than most people realize.

May 20, 2026 · 7 min read

Private Health Insurance vs. the Marketplace (ACA): Key Differences
Marketplace

Private Health Insurance vs. the Marketplace (ACA): Key Differences

Subsidies, networks, and enrollment windows are where private and Marketplace plans really differ. Here's a clear comparison.

May 12, 2026 · 8 min read

Health Insurance for Travel Nurses Between Contracts
Industries

Health Insurance for Travel Nurses Between Contracts

Agency plans end when your contract does. Portable private PPO coverage keeps you protected between assignments.

May 6, 2026 · 7 min read

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
Costs

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in 2026?

Private health insurance pricing isn't one number. Here's what actually drives your premium and out-of-pocket costs.

Apr 28, 2026 · 8 min read

Losing Employer Health Coverage? Here Are Your Options
Coverage

Losing Employer Health Coverage? Here Are Your Options

Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying event — and it opens more doors than just COBRA. Here's how to choose.

Apr 20, 2026 · 7 min read

Health Insurance for Early Retirees Before Medicare
Medicare

Health Insurance for Early Retirees Before Medicare

Retiring before 65 means covering yourself until Medicare begins. Here's how to bridge that gap.

Apr 12, 2026 · 7 min read

Do Health Insurance Brokers Charge Fees?
Working With a Broker

Do Health Insurance Brokers Charge Fees?

Short answer: working with a licensed broker is typically free to you. Here's how that works.

Apr 4, 2026 · 6 min read

PPO vs. HMO: Which Network Is Right for You?
Networks

PPO vs. HMO: Which Network Is Right for You?

PPO or HMO? The difference comes down to flexibility vs. cost. Here's how to choose.

Mar 26, 2026 · 6 min read

Health Insurance for Gig Workers and 1099 Contractors
Gig Economy

Health Insurance for Gig Workers and 1099 Contractors

Gig platforms don't offer benefits — but you still have flexible, year-round coverage options.

Mar 18, 2026 · 6 min read

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Our guides cover common scenarios, but the best way to get advice for your exact situation is a free chat with a licensed advisor.

Yes — our content is produced by our team to explain coverage clearly and accurately, without industry jargon.

Of course. Every article includes a free, no-obligation way to have an advisor review your options.

We add and update guides regularly to keep pace with changes in health coverage and enrollment.

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