ACA Marketplace Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum: which metal level should you choose?
ACA metal levels describe how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care. Bronze has the…
Health insurance guides
Plain-English help for choosing a plan, whether you're on an employer plan, the ACA marketplace, or an ICHRA.
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How to choose a health insurance plan (2026)
To choose a health insurance plan, compare plans by total annual cost: your monthly premiums for…
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numbers that decide your cost
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Plan types HDHP vs. PPO: is a high-deductible (HSA) plan worth it?
A high-deductible health plan (HDHP), the kind that lets you open a Health Savings Account, is…
Self-employed Health insurance for the self-employed
If you are self-employed, you will usually buy an individual plan through the ACA marketplace…
Premiums & out-of-pocket How Health Insurance Costs Work
Health insurance has two kinds of costs: what you pay to have coverage, and what you pay when you…
Premiums & out-of-pocket How to Estimate Your Total Yearly Health Insurance Cost
To estimate your real yearly cost, add your fixed premiums to the care you expect to use. Start…
Doctors & prescriptions How to check if your doctor and prescriptions are covered
Before you enroll, confirm two things for the specific plan and plan year. First, that each doctor…
Employer plans Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance
Choosing the right health insurance plan means balancing your personal risk, budget, and healthcare…
ICHRA Your employer gave you money to buy your own health insurance (ICHRA)
An ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) means your employer gives you a set…
More guides coming soon
Medicare basics: when and how to enroll · COBRA vs. an ACA marketplace plan after leaving a job · How to read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) · What to do when a claim is denied