How to Choose a Family Health Insurance Plan
Finding a health insurance plan is essential, and rushing can be costly. Many Americans receive employer health insurance, but those without it can explore family health insurance plans in the marketplace, including federal and state options. Comparing plans is crucial; consider your family's healthcare needs, costs, and provider networks. Open enrollment occurs every fall, with […]
US Gig Workers Get Insurance Options
Gig work is a primary income source for >10% of the US workforce, while >50% is expected to freelance or contract by 2027. Insurance remains the key gap: an estimated 35% of US gig workers lack health coverage, with disability and income protection less common. For app-based drivers, personal auto policies often exclude work periods; […]
How to get the most out of your health insurance plan
To maximize health insurance benefits, carefully review and compare plans before renewal, focusing on co-pays, deductibles, and network providers. Utilize free preventative care services like vaccinations and screenings. Understand your plan's formulary to avoid unexpected medication costs. Use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts to save tax-free for medical expenses. Avoid surprise out-of-network charges […]
When Insurance Won’t Cover Medication
If a prescription was not covered, patients often faced full cost. Lower-cost generics, biosimilars, or alternatives were among the first options to discuss. Patients were advised to raise cost concerns directly with prescribers, who may not know formulary details or out-of-pocket pricing under each plan. Other cost-saving steps included comparing 90-day versus monthly fills, splitting […]
These States Still Penalize Residents Who Don’t Have Health Insurance
California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington DC still penalize residents without health insurance, using either a flat fee or a percentage of income, capped at the cost of the lowest bronze plan. Exemptions apply for financial hardship, short gaps in coverage, or low income. Basic insurance is often cheaper than penalties and medical […]
One-Third of Insured Americans Face Medical Debt
A survey found 32% of insured Americans took on medical debt, with nearly half of parents affected. Some considered alternatives: borrowing from friends or family (16%), travel health insurance (11%), or moving abroad (10%). Financial strain pushed >1/3 to consider dropping coverage; ~2/3 of Gen Zers considered it; 20% previously dropped. Cost-driven health risks: 29% […]
HSAS Boost Retirement Readiness
Healthcare costs loom large in retirement, pushing HSAs into long-term planning. Experts urged combining retirement savings talks with healthcare strategy much earlier. HSAs offer triple tax benefits: pre-tax deposits, tax-free growth, tax-free medical withdrawals. HSAs framed as long-term savings bridge, not just current healthcare spending. Plan sponsors encouraged to integrate benefits and retirement conversations for […]
Don’t Have Health Insurance? If You Live in These States, You’ll Have to Pay a Fine
In 2024, 27.2 million Americans lacked health insurance, down from 31.6 million in 2020. Although the federal individual mandate penalty was repealed in 2019, some states still impose fines for being uninsured. States with penalties include California, D.C., New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with fines based on income or fixed amounts. Exemptions exist for […]
9 Medicare Changes You Need to Know for 2026
Medicare changes in 2026 include automatic renewal of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, a $2,100 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and a $615 maximum Part D deductible. Limits on supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans are tightened. Insulin cost caps apply annually, and the free vaccine list is updated. AI-assisted prior authorization begins in […]
80-Hour Rule Threatens Millions’ Health Coverage
H.R.1 added Medicaid work requirements for low-income adults 19–64, requiring 80 hours monthly to keep benefits. Rules began in 2026–2027 for 41 ACA expansion states, but enforcement details are left largely to states. Projected 2026 coverage losses: 4.6–5.2M adults By 2034: up to 5M fewer enrollees Federal spending ↓$300–344B States can automate verification or require […]