Insurance questions, answered clearly.

Marketplace (also called ACA or Obamacare) health insurance is private health coverage sold through the federal or state health insurance marketplace. Plans are grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers based on how costs are split between your monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays.

Subsidies (technically premium tax credits) are based mainly on household size and estimated yearly income. Many households that assume they earn too much still qualify for some savings. A licensed broker can run the numbers for your specific situation at no cost to you.

Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 through January 15 in most states, though exact dates vary by state. Outside that window, you can usually only enroll if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

HMO plans generally require you to use doctors in a specific network and get referrals to see specialists, usually at a lower monthly cost. PPO plans offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers without a referral, typically at a higher premium.

Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. Missing this window can mean gaps in coverage and permanent late-enrollment penalties, so it's worth planning ahead.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan through a private insurer, usually with a network. Medigap is a supplemental policy that works alongside Original Medicare to cover gaps like copays and deductibles, and generally lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, and standalone dental/vision plans are also available as an add-on.

You may face a late enrollment penalty added to your premium for as long as you have Medicare, and you may need to wait for the next General Enrollment Period to sign up. A broker can help you understand your specific options if this has already happened.

Term life insurance covers you for a set period (like 10, 20, or 30 years) at a lower cost, paying out only if you pass away during that term. Whole life insurance covers you for your entire life and builds cash value over time, at a higher premium.

A common starting point is 10-15 times your annual income, adjusted for debts, mortgage balance, income replacement needs, and future expenses like college. Every household is different, which is why a broker will ask about your specific situation rather than give a one-size-fits-all number.

It depends on the policy. Many traditional policies require a brief medical exam, while simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue policies skip the exam in exchange for smaller coverage amounts or higher premiums.

Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy, typically $5,000 to $25,000, designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses so family members aren't left with the burden. It usually has simpler underwriting than a traditional life insurance policy.

Cost depends on your age, health, and coverage amount, but final expense premiums are generally affordable and stay level for life since it's a form of whole life insurance. A broker can give you an accurate quote based on your specific details.

Often, yes. Final expense products, especially guaranteed issue, are priced for the insurer's risk of not asking any health questions. If you're in reasonably good health and can qualify for a fully underwritten traditional policy, it's common to get a lower premium or more coverage for the same money. A broker acting in your interest should check this before recommending final expense, not assume it's your only option.

If you or your family regularly need cleanings, glasses, or contacts, a standalone dental/vision plan can pay for itself quickly since routine care is often not covered well by major medical plans.

Critical illness insurance pays a lump-sum cash benefit if you're diagnosed with a covered condition, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. That money can be used for anything, medical bills, lost income, or everyday expenses, unlike health insurance which pays providers directly.

Health insurance pays doctors and hospitals for covered care. Critical illness insurance pays you directly, in cash, if you're diagnosed with a covered condition, to help cover costs health insurance doesn't, like lost wages or travel for treatment.

Yes. Brokers are typically paid a commission by the insurance carrier, not by you, so getting help comparing plans and enrolling generally costs nothing extra out of pocket.

We currently support customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, and Texas.

Your information is used to match you with a licensed broker in your state and to follow up about the coverage you asked about. We only contact you with your permission, and you can find our full privacy details on our website.