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Health Insurance


How Prescription Drug Coverage Really Works (and Why It’s Where Most Plans Break Down)
Prescription drug coverage can be confusing and costly. Learn how tiers, copays, coinsurance, and formularies work — and how to avoid surprise bills.

Amanda Johnsen
Apr 24


What to Do When Your Doctor Stops Accepting Your Insurance
Learn what to do when your doctor stops accepting your insurance. Get practical tips to confirm changes, explore options, and find a new in-network provider without stress.

Amanda Johnsen
Apr 17


Real Stories: How One Missed Detail Turned Into an Expensive Lesson
When people tell me they’re “pretty sure” their health insurance will cover what they need, I usually pause. Not because they’re wrong—but because I’ve seen how often assumptions turn into surprises. This is one of those stories. The Situation A couple in their early 50s came to me after receiving a medical bill they weren’t expecting. They had health insurance through an employer plan and felt confident in their coverage. The monthly premium was reasonable, and they hadn’t h

Amanda Johnsen
Mar 6


Employer Health Plans vs. Individual Coverage: How to Know What’s Best for Your Situation
Health insurance decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some people are covered through an employer, while others shop for their own individual plan. In some cases, both options may even be available at the same time. So how do you know which one is actually better for your situation? The answer depends on more than just the monthly premium. Let’s break down the key differences and what to consider when comparing employer-sponsored health plans and individual coverage. What Is E

Amanda Johnsen
Feb 20


Why “Cheaper” Health Insurance Isn’t Always Cheaper
When shopping for health insurance, it’s natural to focus on the monthly premium. After all, that’s the number you see every month, and it directly affects your budget. But choosing the lowest premium option can sometimes lead to higher costs down the road. In health insurance, “cheaper” upfront doesn’t always mean cheaper overall. Here’s why. The Monthly Premium Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle Your premium is what you pay each month just to keep the policy active. Lower prem

Amanda Johnsen
Feb 13


Missed Open Enrollment? Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Do Now
If you missed the ACA Open Enrollment deadline, you’re not alone. Every year, people realize after the window closes that their coverage isn’t what they expected—or that they didn’t make a selection at all. The first thing to know is this: missing Open Enrollment doesn’t mean you’re completely out of options, but it does mean the rules are more limited. Here’s what you can still do, what you can’t, and how to move forward without making costly assumptions. What Changes After

Amanda Johnsen
Jan 16


ACA Renewals Explained: Why Auto-Renew Can Quietly Raise Your Costs
Auto-renewal sounds helpful. After all, if nothing has changed, why not let your health insurance renew on its own? The problem is that with ACA plans, something almost always changes—even if your life hasn’t. Each year, people are surprised by higher premiums, reduced tax credits, or coverage that no longer fits their needs, all because they relied on auto-renewal. Here’s why that happens—and what you can do about it while Open Enrollment is still open. What Auto-Renew Reall

Amanda Johnsen
Jan 9


The End of Expanded ACA Tax Credits: What You Can Still Fix Before Open Enrollment Ends
If your health insurance premium went up this year—or you’ve been putting off reviewing your renewal—you’re not alone. Many people are feeling confused and frustrated as changes to ACA tax credits take effect. ACA Open Enrollment is open through January 15. That means there is still time to review your coverage and make changes for the year ahead. Let’s walk through what’s happening, who this affects, and what you can still fix before the deadline. How ACA Tax Credits Normall

Amanda Johnsen
Jan 2


How to Handle Health Insurance When You Lose Your Job
How to Handle Health Insurance When You Lose Your Job

Amanda Johnsen
Nov 20, 2025


What Is the Difference Between Group Health Insurance and Individual Plans?
Learn the key differences between group health insurance and individual plans, including cost, coverage, and flexibility — so you can choose the right health insurance for your needs.

Amanda Johnsen
Oct 16, 2025


7 Ways to Lower Your Health Insurance Costs Without Losing Coverage
Want to save on health insurance without losing coverage? Discover 7 simple, proven ways to lower your premiums and medical costs while staying protected.

Amanda Johnsen
Sep 11, 2025


Did You Know That Most Medical Plans Don’t Cover Routine Dental or Vision Needs?
Many people don’t realize their health insurance doesn’t cover dental or vision care. Learn why these benefits matter, how to get them, and what it costs to go without.

Amanda Johnsen
Jul 31, 2025


Understanding COBRA: What Happens When an Employee Leaves a Job?
When an employee leaves a job, COBRA coverage can help them stay insured. Learn what COBRA is, how it works, and what employers and employees need to know.

Amanda Johnsen
Jul 3, 2025


Health Savings Accounts vs. Flexible Spending Accounts: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever enrolled in a health plan during open enrollment, you’ve probably seen the option to add an HSA or FSA—but unless you’ve done some homework, it’s easy to get the two confused. While Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) both help you save money on healthcare expenses by using pre-tax dollars, they’re not the same—and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how you manage your healthcare costs. Let’s break down the diff

Amanda Johnsen
Jun 26, 2025


5 ACA Myths That Still Confuse People Today
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been around since 2010, yet misinformation and confusion still swirl around it—especially during Open Enrollment season. Whether you're shopping for a plan yourself or trying to guide your employees, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Here are five common ACA myths that many people still believe—and the facts you need to know. Myth # 1: “ACA Plans Are Only for People with Low Income” Reality:While the ACA was designed to help make

Amanda Johnsen
Jun 19, 2025


Real Stories: How the Right Health Insurance Plan Changed a Family’s Financial Future
Discover how one family's choice to enroll in the right insurance plan helped them avoid financial disaster—and why coverage matters more than you think.

Amanda Johnsen
Jun 12, 2025
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