Choosing the right health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available today. My goal is to help you understand each type of plan, what it covers, and who it’s best suited for — so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Below are the major categories of health insurance options I help clients navigate:

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA / Marketplace) Plans

These are comprehensive major medical plans that include all essential health benefits and protect you from high unexpected medical costs.

Key features:

• No medical underwriting — everyone qualifies

• Covers pre-existing conditions immediately

• Preventive care covered at 100%

• Subsidies available based on income

• Annual maximum out-of-pocket limits

• Pediatric dental and vision included

Ideal for:
Individuals, families, and anyone wanting full, guaranteed coverage with federal consumer protections.

2. Underwritten Health Insurance Plans (Non-ACA Major Medical)

These plans offer more traditional PPO-style coverage and may have lower premiums, but they require health questions and may deny or exclude based on medical history.

Key features:

• Medical underwriting required

• May exclude or limit pre-existing conditions

• Can offer broader provider networks

• Often have annual benefit caps

• Premiums can be lower than unsubsidized ACA plans

Ideal for:
Healthy individuals who want lower premiums or who need coverage outside Open Enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

3. Short-Term Medical Plans

Designed for temporary needs, short-term plans can be a cost-effective option but are not comprehensive and are not considered ACA-compliant. This name can be misleading though. Some carriers offer up to 36 months of uninterrupted coverage without needing to submit an application.

Key features:

• Fast approval, sometimes within 24–48 hours

• Deductibles and coverage limits vary

• PPO networks

• Not required to cover preventive care, maternity, mental health, or prescriptions

Ideal for:
Those between jobs, waiting for employer benefits to begin, or needing immediate, catastrophic coverage. Great for those who do not use health insurance benefits often but want protection for the unforeseen or major health events.

Want to submit a quote and apply for coverage on your own? I offer short term options with 2 carriers.  Use this link to access the Allstate quoting tool for this and other products.  Pivot also offers short term medical and dental and vision options. Use this link to access their quoting tool.  

4. Employer Group Plans

If you’re a small business or working for a company that offers benefits, group plans may provide broad coverage at competitive rates.

Key features:

• Employer cost-sharing helps reduce premiums

• ACA-compliant

• Multiple plan types, including PPO, HMO, and HDHP

• Ideal for businesses wanting to offer employee benefits

Ideal for:
Small business owners, new employers offering benefits, or employees reviewing their options.

5. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with HSA Options

These plans pair with a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing you to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses.

Key features:

• Lower premiums than copay style plans

• HSA contributions are tax-deductible

• HSA funds roll over year to year

• Often paired with supplemental plans

Ideal for:
Individuals and families who want the tax benefits of an HSA or prefer paying lower monthly premiums.

6. Supplemental Health Plans (Ancillary Coverage)

These plans work with your primary health insurance to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Options include:

• Dental & Vision- click this link to learn more about your options.  One hint- make sure that your trusted dentist and eye doctor in the network for this plan before applying for coverage.

• Accident Plans

• Critical Illness

• Hospital Indemnity / Medical Bridge Plans

Ideal for:
Anyone with a high deductible, active individuals, families with kids, and clients wanting added financial protection.

Let’s Find the Right Fit for You

Every client’s needs, doctors, prescriptions, and budget are unique. My role is to give you clear comparisons, break down costs, check networks, and make sure you feel confident — not rushed — when choosing your plan.