Can I only sign up for health insurance during Open Enrollment?

No. Open Enrollment applies to individual Marketplace plans. Employer plans have their own enrollment periods, while Medicaid and CHIP may be available year-round for eligible people.

Some non-Marketplace private coverage options may also accept applications at other times during the year.

When is Marketplace Open Enrollment?

The federal Marketplace Open Enrollment period generally runs from November 1 through January 15 each year.

Outside Open Enrollment, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events, such as losing qualifying health coverage, getting married, having a baby, or certain moves.

Can I get health insurance after losing my job?

Yes. Losing qualifying employer-sponsored coverage can give you a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Marketplace coverage. You may also have COBRA, a spouse's employer plan, or other coverage options available.

Because enrollment deadlines can apply after losing coverage, it's a good idea to compare your choices sooner rather than later.

How fast can my coverage start?

It depends on the type of plan, when you apply, your eligibility, and the carrier's effective-date rules.

Some coverage can begin relatively quickly after approval, while Marketplace and employer plans may use specific effective dates. We'll confirm the actual start date before you enroll.

Do I have to keep my health insurance for a full year?

Not necessarily. You can generally end individual coverage when you no longer need it, but the rules depend on the type of plan.

Before cancelling coverage, make sure any replacement plan is approved and has an effective date so you don't accidentally create a gap.

What affects the price of health insurance?

It depends on the type of plan.

Individual Marketplace premiums can vary based on factors such as age, location, household members, and tobacco use where allowed. Household income can affect whether you qualify for Marketplace financial assistance.

Some private non-Marketplace plans use medical underwriting, which means health history may also affect eligibility or pricing.

How much does private health insurance cost?

There isn't one standard price. The cost can depend on your age, location, family size, health history, benefits, deductible, provider network, and the specific coverage being considered.

The easiest way to know what applies to you is to compare actual available options rather than relying on an average price.

Is the plan with the lowest premium always the cheapest?

No. A lower monthly premium can sometimes come with a higher deductible, narrower provider network, higher prescription costs, or more limited benefits.

We recommend looking at the premium and what you could spend when you actually use the coverage.

Can I get help paying for Marketplace health insurance?

You may qualify for Marketplace financial assistance depending on factors such as household income, household size, where you live, and whether you're eligible for certain other coverage.

If your income changes during the year, it's important to update your Marketplace application.

Is there a fee for your help?

There is no charge for our consultation or help comparing available insurance options.

If you choose a plan through us, compensation may be paid by the insurance company rather than directly by you.

What's the difference between Marketplace and private health insurance?

Marketplace plans are ACA-compliant individual major medical plans. They cover pre-existing conditions and include federal consumer protections and essential health benefits.

Private coverage outside the Marketplace can include several different types of plans. Some use medical underwriting and can have different benefits, provider networks, exclusions, and pre-existing-condition rules.

We can help you understand what you're actually comparing before you make a decision.

What's the difference between an employer plan and an individual plan?

Employer health insurance is offered through a workplace, and the employer may pay part of the premium.

Individual health insurance is purchased for yourself or your family rather than through an employer. Depending on your situation, that may include Marketplace or other private coverage.

Do private health plans cover pre-existing conditions?

It depends on the specific plan.

ACA-compliant major medical plans cover pre-existing conditions. Some non-ACA private plans may use medical underwriting, exclude certain conditions, limit benefits, or have other rules related to health history.

We'll explain those differences before you apply.

What is a PPO?

A PPO generally gives members flexibility to see participating specialists without referrals and may include benefits for certain out-of-network services.

PPO rules vary by plan, so having “PPO” in the name does not automatically mean every doctor or hospital is covered nationwide.

What's the difference between a PPO, HMO, and EPO?

A PPO generally offers more provider flexibility and may include certain out-of-network benefits.

An HMO generally requires you to use its network and may require a primary care provider or referrals.

An EPO generally requires you to use in-network providers but may not require referrals to see specialists.

Exact rules depend on the individual plan.

What is short-term health insurance?

Short-term coverage is designed for temporary gaps and works differently from ACA-compliant major medical insurance.

It may use medical underwriting and can have exclusions or more limited benefits. Availability and rules also vary by state.

What is a health sharing plan?

Health care sharing programs are arrangements in which members contribute toward eligible medical expenses for other members.

They are not health insurance and don't have the same guarantees or consumer protections as insurance policies. Rules, exclusions, and payment practices vary by program.

Can I keep my doctor?

It depends on the provider network for the plan you're considering.

Give us the names of the doctors, specialists, and hospitals that matter to you and we can help check available networks before you choose coverage.

Will my health insurance cover me when I travel?

It depends on the plan.

Some PPO-style plans have broad provider networks across multiple states, while HMO and EPO plans may have more geographically limited non-emergency coverage.

Emergency-care rules can also differ from routine or non-emergency care. If you travel frequently for work or spend time in multiple states, tell us so we can factor that into the comparison.

Can you check whether my prescriptions are covered?

Yes. Give us the names and dosages of medications that are important to you and we can help review how available plans handle them.

Prescription formularies, tiers, copays, deductibles, and prior authorization rules can vary from one plan to another.

What if I take an expensive specialty medication?

Specialty medications deserve extra attention when comparing plans. Coverage can vary significantly in terms of formulary placement, coinsurance, prior authorization, specialty pharmacies, and annual out-of-pocket exposure.

Let us know about those medications before you enroll so they can be part of the comparison.

I'm self-employed. What health insurance options do I have?

Depending on your state and eligibility, you may have Marketplace coverage, private coverage outside the Marketplace, short-term coverage in some situations, or coverage through a spouse's employer.

If you have employees, small-business health coverage or a health reimbursement arrangement may also be worth exploring.

My income changes every month. Does that affect Marketplace coverage?

Marketplace financial assistance is based in part on your expected annual household income, not simply what you make in one particular month.

If your income changes materially during the year, you can update your Marketplace application so eligibility can be recalculated.

Are health insurance premiums tax-deductible if I'm self-employed?

Eligible self-employed people may be able to deduct qualifying health insurance premiums, subject to IRS rules and limitations.

Because individual tax situations differ, talk with your accountant or tax professional about how the deduction applies to you.

Can I cover my spouse and children?

Yes. Many individual health coverage options allow eligible spouses and children to be included.

Sometimes it can also make sense for different family members to use different coverage depending on employer eligibility, networks, health needs, and costs.

Do you offer dental and vision coverage?

Yes. Dental and vision coverage may be available separately or alongside other coverage, depending on your state and needs.

Do you offer life insurance?

Yes. We can help with life insurance options as well as health coverage.

Do you offer supplemental insurance?

Yes. Depending on availability and your needs, supplemental coverage can include accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, disability, and other products designed to help with specific financial risks.

You're in Arizona. Can you help me if I live in another state?

Yes, if we're licensed and able to offer coverage in your state. We're currently licensed in 32 states, and consultations can be handled by phone or online.

See the states we serve

I'm not self-employed. Can you still help me?

Yes. Self-employed and 1099 workers are a major part of who we serve, but we also help families, W-2 employees buying their own coverage, people leaving employer plans, early retirees, and small businesses.

What makes working with you different?

We focus on helping you understand the choices available rather than expecting you to figure out insurance terminology on your own.

We'll look at factors such as your doctors, prescriptions, budget, household situation, provider networks, and how you expect to use the coverage.

We also remain available after enrollment when clients have questions about their coverage, member portals, bills, claims, or renewals.

What happens during a consultation?

We'll ask a few basic questions about who needs coverage and what matters most to you, then walk through available options and explain the differences.

Many consultations take around 15 minutes, although more complicated situations may take longer. There's no obligation to enroll.

Do I need to prepare documents before the consultation?

No. You don't need to gather a stack of paperwork before booking.

It's helpful if you know basic information such as ages, ZIP code, important doctors or prescriptions, and roughly what you'd like to spend, but we can start with what you know.

What's the best way to reach you?

The easiest way to get started is to schedule a free consultation at a time that works for you.

You can also call or text us at (833) 833-1099.