Health insurance guides
Everything you need to compare US health plans: how plan types and metal tiers work, what subsidies you may get, when you can enroll, and how Medicare fits together. Last reviewed .
Understand your options
ACA Marketplace basics
A plain-English guide to the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace: who can use it, what every plan covers, how premiums are set, pre-existing conditions, and where to get free help.
HMO vs PPO vs EPO vs POS
What's the difference between HMO, PPO, EPO and POS health plans, and what is an HDHP? A side-by-side comparison of networks, referrals, out-of-network coverage and cost.
Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum?
How Marketplace metal tiers work: what Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans pay, why Silver matters for cost-sharing reductions, HSA rules, and how to pick a tier.
Catastrophic health plans
Catastrophic health insurance explained: eligibility (under 30 or a hardship/affordability exemption), what's covered, HSA compatibility since 2026, and when Bronze or Silver is a better deal.
Short-term health plans
What short-term, limited-duration health insurance covers and doesn't, the 2024 federal duration limits and the 2025 non-enforcement statement, state rules, and how it compares with ACA plans.
Dental & vision coverage
How dental and vision coverage works: children's dental and vision in Marketplace plans, why adult dental is optional, stand-alone dental plans and waiting periods, discount plans, and what Medicare does and doesn't cover.
Costs, subsidies and taxes
How to compare total cost
A step-by-step method for comparing health insurance plans on total annual cost: premiums, deductible, coinsurance, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum, with a low-use and worst-case check.
Premium tax credits (subsidies)
How the ACA premium tax credit works for 2027 coverage: the 100%–400% FPL income range, the benchmark Silver plan, required contribution percentages, the end of enhanced credits, and repaying advance credits.
HDHPs and HSAs
How high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts work: 2027 IRS HSA limits ($4,500 self / $9,000 family), HDHP requirements, the 2026 Bronze/Catastrophic change, eligibility and tax benefits.
When you can enroll
2027 Open Enrollment dates
Key dates for 2027 Marketplace Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov: November 1, 2026 start, December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage, January 15, 2027 end, plus a checklist for renewing.
Special Enrollment Periods
Which life events qualify you for a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period, how long you have to act (usually 60 days), what doesn't qualify, and year-round options like Medicaid and CHIP.
COBRA vs Marketplace
Compare COBRA continuation coverage with an ACA Marketplace plan after leaving a job: cost (up to 102% of the plan premium), how long COBRA lasts, deductibles, premium tax credits and enrollment deadlines.
Medicare
Medicare basics
A plain-English comparison of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap supplement policies and Part D drug coverage, with the key trade-offs and where to get free help.
Medicare enrollment periods
Every Medicare enrollment window in one place: the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, the 8-month Part B Special Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7), the Medicare Advantage OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) and the Medigap window.
Self-employed and small business
Self-employed & small business
Options for freelancers, sole proprietors and small employers: Marketplace plans and the self-employed health insurance deduction, SHOP group coverage, CHOICE Arrangements (formerly ICHRAs) and QSEHRAs.
Tools
Total yearly cost calculator
Compare up to three plans on premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.
Ways to compare real quotes
Official Marketplaces, free local assisters, Medicare's Plan Finder and licensed partners.