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.
Explore Health Insurance Topics
Key Terminology
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums — understand what you're actually buying before you enroll.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →Subsidies & Financial Assistance
Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions — who qualifies, how much you can save, and how to claim them correctly.
Learn More →Health Insurance Companies
Compare the major health insurance carriers available through our brokerage — ratings, plan types, and who they're best suited for.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →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.
Call 1-888-972-0024 →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.
Premium
The monthly amount you pay for your health insurance plan — whether you use it or not. Premiums can be reduced by Premium Tax Credits if you qualify based on income.
Deductible
The amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered services before your insurance begins to pay. With a $3,000 deductible, you pay the first $3,000 of covered care each year before the insurer starts sharing costs.
Copay
A fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered health service — like $30 for a primary care visit or $50 for a specialist. Copays typically apply after the deductible is met, though some plans waive them for preventive care.
Coinsurance
Your percentage share of costs after meeting your deductible. With 20% coinsurance, if a procedure costs $1,000, you pay $200 and the insurer pays $800. Coinsurance applies until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The most you'll pay for covered services in a plan year. After reaching this limit, your insurer pays 100% of covered costs. In 2025, the ACA limits individual out-of-pocket maximums to $9,200 and $18,400 for families.
Network / In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
In-network providers have contracts with your insurer and cost less. Out-of-network providers may not be covered at all (HMO/EPO) or covered at higher cost-sharing (PPO/POS). Always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling.
Formulary
The list of prescription drugs covered by your health plan, organized into tiers. Tier 1 (generic) drugs are cheapest; Tier 4 or 5 (specialty) drugs can be very expensive. Always check that your medications are on the plan's formulary before enrolling.
HSA (Health Savings Account)
A tax-advantaged savings account available with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses. In 2025, limits are $4,300 (individual) and $8,550 (family).
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.
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Bronze
Insurer pays ~60% · You pay ~40%
Lowest monthly premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs. Best for healthy individuals who want catastrophic protection and rarely use medical services.
✓ Lowest premiums
✓ HSA-compatible if HDHP
✗ High deductibles ($6,000–$9,000)
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Silver
Insurer pays ~70% · You pay ~30%
Mid-range premiums. The only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions — if income is 100–250% FPL, Silver can perform like Gold or Platinum at Silver prices.
✓ Only tier with CSR eligibility
✓ Best value for subsidy-eligible buyers
✗ Deductibles $1,500–$5,000 typical
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Gold
Insurer pays ~80% · You pay ~20%
Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs. Best for frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or planned procedures.
✓ Lower deductibles ($500–$2,000)
✓ Lower copays and coinsurance
✗ Higher monthly premiums
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Platinum
Insurer pays ~90% · You pay ~10%
Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Best for significant, predictable medical needs requiring maximum protection.
✓ Very low or $0 deductibles
✓ Minimal copays and coinsurance
✗ Highest monthly premiums
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
- 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 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
- 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.
Reduces Your Monthly Premium
Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
A tax credit that lowers your monthly premium. You can take it in advance or claim it when you file your taxes. The credit is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Who qualifies:
- Household income between 100% and 400% FPL (enhanced subsidies extend above 400% through 2025)
- Not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or affordable employer coverage
- U.S. citizen or lawfully present, enrolled through the ACA marketplace
Lowers Your Deductibles & Copays
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR)
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. 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)
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 with a robust digital experience.
Anthem / Elevance Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield Affiliate
Operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states. 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. CVS MinuteClinic integration provides expanded care access for members.
Cigna / Evernorth
Global Health Services
Known for strong mental health and behavioral health benefits, broad pharmacy networks through Evernorth/Express Scripts, and solid employer group plans.
Humana
Medicare & Wellness Leader
One of the top Medicare Advantage carriers nationally. Also offers individual & family plans in select markets and is known for wellness programs and Go365 rewards.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Nationwide Association of Regional Plans
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.
Molina Healthcare
ACA Marketplace Specialist
A leading ACA marketplace carrier in 19+ states. Specializes in government-sponsored programs and is very competitive for subsidy-eligible buyers seeking lower-premium options.
Oscar Health
Tech-Forward ACA Carrier
A technology-driven insurer focused on the individual and small group ACA market. Known for its highly-rated app, free virtual care visits, and concierge care teams.
Centene / Ambetter
Largest ACA Marketplace Insurer
Through its Ambetter brand, Centene is the single largest ACA marketplace insurer — operating in 32+ states. Frequently among the most affordable options for subsidy-eligible buyers.