Resources & Education
Insurance explained,
no jargon required.
Everything you need to understand your options — from basic terms to Medicare deep-dives. Knowledge is the best first step.
Quick Reads
Guides & articles
How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
That confusing document your insurer sends after a claim? Here's what every line actually means.
Ask Susie about thisACA vs. Employer Coverage: Which is Better?
A side-by-side comparison to help you decide whether to stay on your employer's plan or shop the Marketplace.
Ask Susie about thisHow to Maximize Your HSA
Health Savings Accounts are one of the best tax advantages available. Here's how to use yours wisely.
Ask Susie about thisYour Open Enrollment Checklist
Don't just auto-renew. Use this checklist every year to make sure you're still in the right plan.
Ask Susie about thisMedicare 101: A Plain-English Overview
Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap — all of it explained simply so you can make a confident decision.
Ask Susie about thisWhat to Do When You Lose Your Job Coverage
Step-by-step: your options, your timeline, and how to avoid a gap in coverage.
Ask Susie about thisFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Real questions from real people — answered honestly.
Cost & Pricing
How much does health insurance cost?
It varies widely based on your age, location, plan type, and income. Individual plans can range from $200–$600+/month, but many people qualify for subsidies through the ACA Marketplace that significantly reduce that cost. Book a call and I'll give you a real estimate for your situation.
Do I have to pay for your services?
No — my services are completely free to you. As a licensed independent broker, I'm compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan. You pay the same premium whether you use a broker or not.
What is a subsidy and do I qualify?
ACA subsidies (also called premium tax credits) reduce your monthly premium based on your income and household size. In 2024, many people earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level qualify. I'll check your eligibility as part of our consultation.
Enrollment
When can I sign up for health insurance?
Most people enroll during Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15 for ACA plans). Outside of that window, you need a qualifying life event — like losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving — to trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
I just lost my job. Can I still get coverage?
Yes. Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying life event that gives you a 60-day Special Enrollment Period to sign up for a Marketplace plan. COBRA is also an option, though it's often expensive. Let's compare your options.
Can I change my plan mid-year?
Generally, no — unless you have a qualifying life event. That's why it's important to choose the right plan during Open Enrollment. I offer annual reviews to make sure your plan still fits before each renewal.
Plan Types
What's the difference between an HMO and a PPO?
HMOs require you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialists — they're usually cheaper. PPOs give you more flexibility to see any doctor without a referral, but cost more. The right choice depends on how you use healthcare.
What is a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)?
An HDHP has a higher deductible than traditional plans, but lower premiums. They're paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which let you save pre-tax money for medical expenses. Great for healthy people who don't use much care.
Is short-term health insurance a good idea?
Short-term plans are cheaper but cover much less — they often exclude pre-existing conditions, mental health, and maternity care. They can work as a bridge between coverage, but I'd never recommend them as a long-term solution.
Medicare
When should I sign up for Medicare?
You're eligible at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after. Missing this window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties — so it's important to plan ahead.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan from a private insurer. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) works alongside Original Medicare to cover gaps like copays and coinsurance. Both have pros and cons depending on your health needs.
Does Medicare cover prescriptions?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover most prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Part D plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. I'll help you find the right fit based on your medications.
Self-Employed & Business
I'm self-employed. What are my options?
You can shop ACA Marketplace plans (and may qualify for subsidies based on your income), or look at private plans. You can also deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums as a business expense. I'll walk you through all of it.
How do I offer health insurance to my employees?
Small businesses can offer group health insurance through a private carrier or the SHOP Marketplace. You may also qualify for a small business tax credit. I'll help you find a plan that works for your team and your budget.
Reference
Insurance glossary
The terms you'll encounter — defined in plain English.
Deductible
The amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered health services before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1,500, you pay the first $1,500 of covered services yourself.
Premium
The monthly amount you pay for your health insurance plan — whether or not you use any medical services that month. Think of it like a subscription fee for your coverage.
Copay
A fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service, usually at the time of service. For example, $30 for a primary care visit or $50 for a specialist.
Coinsurance
Your share of the cost of a covered health care service, calculated as a percentage. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% and your insurance pays 80% — after your deductible is met.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The most you'll have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you reach this amount, your insurance pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Network
The group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that have agreed to provide services to members of a specific health plan at negotiated rates. Staying "in-network" almost always costs less.
HMO
Health Maintenance Organization. A type of plan that requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals to see specialists. Generally lower premiums, but less flexibility.
PPO
Preferred Provider Organization. A plan that gives you more flexibility to see any doctor without a referral. You pay less if you use in-network providers, but you can still see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.
HSA
Health Savings Account. A tax-advantaged savings account available with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). You can use HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses — and the money rolls over year to year.
Open Enrollment
A set period each year when you can sign up for, change, or drop a health insurance plan. For ACA Marketplace plans, this is typically November 1 – January 15.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A time outside of Open Enrollment when you can sign up for or change health coverage due to a qualifying life event — like losing a job, getting married, having a baby, or moving.
Formulary
A list of prescription drugs covered by your health plan. Drugs are usually grouped into tiers, with different cost-sharing for each tier. Always check the formulary before choosing a plan if you take regular medications.
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