Health insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. As an independent brokerage, we compare plans across all major carriers — on and off the ACA marketplace — to find coverage that fits your health needs and your budget. No pressure, no single-carrier bias.
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Explore Health Insurance Topics
Key Terminology
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums — understand what you’re actually buying before you enroll.
Metal Tier Plan Designs
Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — how each tier balances premiums vs. out-of-pocket costs, and which is right for you.
Open Enrollment & Qualifying Events
When you can enroll, how long open enrollment lasts, and which life events allow you to enroll outside of the standard window.
Subsidies & Financial Assistance
Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions — who qualifies, how much you can save, and how to claim them correctly.
Health Insurance Companies
Compare the major health insurance carriers available through our brokerage — ratings, plan types, and who they’re best suited for.
Types of Provider Networks
HMO, PPO, EPO, POS, HDHP — what each network type means for your access to doctors, specialists, and out-of-network care.
Talk to an Advisor
Not sure which plan is right for you? Our licensed health insurance advisors can walk you through your options at no charge.
Key Health Insurance Terminology
Before comparing plans, make sure you understand these essential terms. They directly affect what you pay — both monthly and when you use your insurance.
Metal Tier Plan Designs
ACA-compliant health plans are organized into four “metal” tiers based on how costs are split between you and the insurer. All tiers cover the same 10 essential health benefits — the difference is only in how costs are shared.
🥉 Bronze
Lowest monthly premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Best for healthy individuals who want to protect against catastrophic events and rarely use medical services.
- Lowest premiums
- Highest deductibles ($6,000–$9,000 typical)
- HSA-compatible if HDHP
- Good for healthy, low-utilization individuals
🥈 Silver
Mid-range premiums and cost-sharing. The only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — if your income is 100–250% of the Federal Poverty Level, Silver plans can effectively perform like Gold or Platinum plans at Silver prices.
- Moderate premiums
- Only tier with CSR eligibility
- Best value for subsidy-eligible buyers
- Deductibles $1,500–$5,000 typical
🥇 Gold
Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Best for people who use their insurance regularly — frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or planned procedures.
- Higher monthly premiums
- Lower deductibles ($500–$2,000 typical)
- Lower copays and coinsurance
- Good for regular healthcare users
💎 Platinum
Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Best for people with significant, predictable medical needs who want maximum protection against large bills.
- Highest monthly premiums
- Very low or $0 deductibles
- Minimal copays and coinsurance
- Best for high healthcare utilizers
Open Enrollment & Qualifying Life Events
You can only enroll in ACA health insurance during specific windows — unless a life event triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
The annual window to enroll in or change an ACA marketplace plan. Coverage purchased during OEP typically begins January 1 of the following year.
- Federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov): November 1 – January 15
- State-based marketplaces may have different dates — check your state’s exchange
- Plans selected by December 15 take effect January 1
- Plans selected January 1–15 take effect February 1
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A qualifying life event (QLE) gives you a 60-day window to enroll outside of OEP. Common qualifying events include:
- Loss of other health coverage (job loss, aging off parent’s plan)
- Marriage or domestic partnership
- Birth, adoption, or foster care placement
- Permanent move to a new coverage area
- Gaining citizenship or lawful presence
- Release from incarceration
- Income change affecting subsidy eligibility
Subsidies & Financial Assistance
The ACA provides two main forms of financial assistance that can significantly reduce what you pay for health insurance.
Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
Reduces Your Monthly Premium
A tax credit that lowers your monthly premium. You can take it in advance (applied directly to your premium each month) or claim it when you file your taxes. The credit amount is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Who qualifies:
- Household income between 100% and 400% FPL (note: no cliff — enhanced subsidies extend above 400% through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act)
- Not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or affordable employer coverage
- U.S. citizen or lawfully present
- Enrolled through the ACA marketplace (not off-exchange)
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR)
Lowers Your Deductibles & Copays
CSRs reduce your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum — effectively upgrading your Silver plan to Gold or Platinum-level cost-sharing at Silver prices. CSRs are only available on Silver plans.
Who qualifies:
- Income 100%–150% FPL → highest CSR (plan acts like Platinum)
- Income 150%–200% FPL → mid-range CSR (plan acts like Gold)
- Income 200%–250% FPL → basic CSR (enhanced Silver)
- Must select a Silver plan to receive CSR benefit
$15,060 (individual) · $20,440 (2 people) · $25,820 (3 people) · $31,200 (4 people). Income thresholds for subsidies are a multiple of these figures.
Health Insurance Companies We Represent
As an independent brokerage, we represent all major health insurance carriers — giving you unbiased access to the widest selection of plans available in your area.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Largest U.S. Health Insurer
One of the nation’s largest health insurers with broad national networks. Offers individual & family, employer group, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans. Known for extensive provider networks and a robust digital experience through the UHC app.
Anthem / Elevance Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield Affiliate
Operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states, making it one of the largest BCBS affiliates. Anthem/Elevance offers strong individual, employer, Medicaid, and Medicare products with competitive networks across its coverage footprint.
Aetna (CVS Health)
Integrated Health & Pharmacy
A top-tier national carrier now part of CVS Health, offering an integrated health and pharmacy benefit approach. Strong in individual & family, employer group, and Medicare Advantage. CVS MinuteClinic integration provides expanded care access for members.
Cigna / Evernorth
Global Health Services
A major national carrier known for strong mental health and behavioral health benefits, broad pharmacy networks through Evernorth/Express Scripts, and solid employer group plans. Cigna is particularly competitive for individual coverage and international health plans.
Humana
Medicare & Wellness Leader
One of the top Medicare Advantage carriers nationally, Humana also offers individual & family plans in select markets and robust employer group coverage. Known for wellness programs and Go365 rewards that incentivize healthy behaviors.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Nationwide Association of Regional Plans
BCBS is not a single company but an association of 33 independent regional plans covering all 50 states. BCBS plans are often the dominant carrier in their local market with the largest provider networks. Plans vary by state — your local BCBS affiliate may offer the most competitive rates.
Molina Healthcare
ACA Marketplace Specialist
A leading ACA marketplace carrier with a strong presence in 19+ states. Molina specializes in government-sponsored programs including Medicaid and Medicare, as well as marketplace plans. Often very competitive for subsidy-eligible buyers looking for lower-premium options.
Oscar Health
Tech-Forward ACA Carrier
A technology-driven health insurer focused exclusively on the individual and small group ACA market. Oscar is known for its highly-rated member app, free virtual care visits, concierge care teams, and simple plan designs. Available in select states with a strong presence in major metros.
Centene / Ambetter
Largest ACA Marketplace Insurer
Through its Ambetter brand, Centene is the single largest ACA marketplace insurer in the country — operating in 32+ states. Ambetter plans are frequently among the most affordable options for subsidy-eligible buyers, making them a go-to choice for cost-conscious consumers.
Types of Provider Networks
Your health plan’s network type determines which doctors you can see, whether you need referrals, and how much you pay for out-of-network care. This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a plan.
HMO — Health Maintenance Organization
You must choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who coordinates all your care and provides referrals to see specialists. No coverage for out-of-network care except emergencies.
PPO — Preferred Provider Organization
See any doctor — in or out of network — without a referral. In-network care costs less; out-of-network care is covered but at higher cost-sharing. Most flexible network type.
EPO — Exclusive Provider Organization
Like a PPO in that you don’t need referrals, but like an HMO in that there is no out-of-network coverage (except emergencies). You must stay within the plan’s network.
POS — Point of Service
A hybrid of HMO and PPO. You choose a PCP and need referrals for in-network specialists (like an HMO), but you can go out-of-network at higher cost (like a PPO).
HDHP — High-Deductible Health Plan
A plan type (not a network type) characterized by higher deductibles and lower premiums. HDHPs can be HMO, PPO, or EPO networks. The key benefit: HDHPs are the only plans that qualify you to open and fund a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Not Sure Which Network Is Right?
The right network type depends on your doctors, your budget, and how often you use care. Our advisors compare plans across all network types from all carriers — at no cost to you.
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