Research

Research & Insights

Plain-English guides to the decisions people actually face — written by the two of us, built on the same federal data as the product, and revised whenever the rules change.

FeaturedInsurance Guides

How to Compare Health Insurance Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn the five essential steps to evaluating health insurance plans so you can find the best coverage for your needs and budget.

April 2026Read article →

All Publications

Browse our library of evidence-based insurance research and guidance.

Insurance Guides

Premiums, Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance: Health Insurance Costs Explained

Understand what each health insurance cost term means, how they work together, and how to estimate your true annual healthcare spending.

April 2026Read article →
Insurance Guides

HMO vs. PPO vs. HDHP: Which Health Plan Type Is Right for You?

Compare the three most common health plan types and find out which structure best fits your healthcare needs and financial situation.

April 2026Read article →
Insurance Guides

HSA vs. FSA: Which Tax-Advantaged Health Account Should You Choose?

Compare Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts — eligibility, contribution limits, rollover rules, and which is right for you.

April 2026Read article →
Data Analysis

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Deductible

Learn the trade-offs between high and low deductibles, calculate your break-even point, and find the deductible that minimizes your total costs.

April 2026Read article →
Healthcare Policy

What Are My Health Insurance Options When I Turn 65?

Everything you need to know about Medicare enrollment — Parts A, B, C, and D, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and how it works with employer coverage.

April 2026Read article →
Healthcare Policy

Do I Qualify for Health Insurance Subsidies? A Guide to Premium Tax Credits

Find out if you're eligible for ACA Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions that can dramatically lower your health insurance costs.

April 2026Read article →
Healthcare Policy

Understanding Medicaid: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Learn about Medicaid eligibility, income thresholds, expansion states, covered benefits, and step-by-step application instructions.

April 2026Read article →
Healthcare Policy

What Does Health Insurance Actually Cover? Essential Health Benefits Explained

Understand the 10 essential health benefits required by the ACA, what's covered at no cost, and what common services are NOT included.

March 2026Read article →
Life Events

I Just Lost My Job — What Happens to My Health Insurance?

Your complete guide to health insurance options after job loss, including COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid, and how to avoid coverage gaps.

March 2026Read article →
Life Events

What Is a Qualifying Life Event? Your Guide to Special Enrollment

Learn which life changes let you enroll in health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, the 60-day window, and what documentation you need.

March 2026Read article →
Life Events

What Is COBRA Insurance and Is It Worth the Cost?

Understand how COBRA continuation coverage works, what it costs, how long it lasts, and when it makes more sense than ACA marketplace plans.

March 2026Read article →
Life Events

Getting Married, Having a Baby, or Getting Divorced? How Life Changes Affect Your Insurance

Step-by-step guidance for updating your health insurance after marriage, birth, divorce, turning 26, or moving to a new state.

March 2026Read article →
Open Enrollment

What Is Open Enrollment and When Can I Sign Up for Health Insurance?

Know the key dates for ACA marketplace, employer, and Medicare enrollment periods — and what to do if you miss the window.

March 2026Read article →
Insurance Guides

How to Choose Health Insurance If You're Self-Employed or a Freelancer

Explore your best health insurance options as a self-employed worker, including ACA plans, tax deductions, and association health plans.

February 2026Read article →

State ACA Marketplaces

For people who buy their own coverage: how your state’s marketplace works, who qualifies for help, and what plans cost in your county — from federal 2026 plan data.

TexasFloridaNorth CarolinaOhioMichiganArizonaTennesseeWisconsinAll 50 states + DC →

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