Individual health insurance plans are policies purchased directly by individuals or families rather than provided through an employer or government program. These plans play a critical role for people who are self-employed, between jobs, early retirees, or otherwise without access to employer-sponsored coverage. Understanding how individual health insurance works helps consumers choose coverage that fits … Read more
Employer-sponsored health insurance plans are one of the most common ways Americans receive health coverage. These plans are offered by employers as part of an employee benefits package and typically provide comprehensive medical coverage at a lower cost than individual insurance options. Understanding how employer-sponsored plans work helps employees evaluate plan choices, costs, and how … Read more
Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plans provide medical coverage to eligible U.S. military veterans through a nationwide, government-run healthcare system. Rather than operating like traditional private insurance, VA health care delivers services directly through VA medical facilities and approved community providers. Understanding how VA health care works helps veterans determine eligibility, access benefits, and coordinate … Read more
TRICARE health plans provide medical coverage for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and eligible family members. Administered by the Department of Defense, TRICARE serves as the primary health insurance system for the U.S. military community. Understanding how TRICARE plans work helps beneficiaries navigate eligibility, coverage options, and cost responsibilities. … Read more
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans provide health coverage for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. CHIP is a joint federal–state program designed to ensure children have access to essential healthcare services during critical developmental years. Understanding how CHIP plans work helps families determine … Read more
Medicaid managed care plans are a common way states deliver Medicaid benefits to eligible individuals and families. Instead of paying healthcare providers directly on a fee-for-service basis, states contract with private managed care organizations to coordinate and manage care for Medicaid members. Understanding how Medicaid managed care plans work helps beneficiaries know what to expect … Read more
Medicare Supplement plans, commonly called Medigap plans, are designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. These plans work alongside Medicare Part A and Part B to reduce financial exposure and provide more predictable healthcare expenses. Understanding how Medigap plans function helps beneficiaries decide whether supplemental coverage is the right choice for … Read more
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, are an alternative way for eligible individuals to receive Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and combine hospital and medical coverage into a single plan. Understanding how Medicare Advantage plans work helps beneficiaries compare them to Original Medicare … Read more
COBRA health insurance coverage allows individuals to temporarily continue their existing employer-sponsored health insurance after certain qualifying events would otherwise cause coverage to end. Rather than a separate type of health plan, COBRA is a continuation option that preserves the same benefits, provider network, and coverage rules a person had while employed. Understanding how COBRA … Read more
Association Health Plans (AHPs) are health insurance arrangements that allow small businesses, sole proprietors, and certain self-employed individuals to band together to purchase coverage as a group. By pooling members across an association, these plans aim to increase purchasing power, spread risk, and potentially reduce insurance costs. Understanding how AHPs work helps consumers and business … Read more