Articles
Plain-English guides for people who buy their own health insurance or are trying to figure out their options. Browse by topic, or scroll down for our newest articles.
Costs & PricesWhat’s CoveredMarketplace & SubsidiesMedicaid & MedicareWork & Employer PlansLife ChangesPlan BasicsBills & ClaimsCoverage by SituationInsurance Companies
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Does Health Insurance Cover a TB Test?
Does insurance cover a TB test? Screening is free on ACA plans for adults at higher risk. When TB tests cost you, and low-cost options without…
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Can I Get Health Insurance Through the Marketplace If My Employer Offers It?
Can you get a marketplace plan if your employer offers coverage? Yes, but tax credits depend on affordability. The 2026 and 2027 rules, with examples.
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Can I Get Health Insurance While Waiting for My Green Card?
Health insurance while waiting for a green card: marketplace plans for lawfully present immigrants, the 2027 tax credit change, job-based options and Medicaid.
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Can I Get Health Insurance Without an SSN?
Can you get health insurance without a Social Security number? When the marketplace, employers and insurers don’t require one, and other ways to get care.
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Why Is Health Insurance So Expensive?
Why health insurance costs so much: U.S. medical prices, drug costs and administrative costs, why premiums jumped for 2026 and 2027, and how to pay less.
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What Is Obamacare (the ACA)?
What Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, does in 2026: pre-existing condition protections, subsidies, Medicaid expansion, enrollment dates and recent changes.
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What’s the Worst That Can Happen If You Get Sick Without Health Insurance?
What happens if you get sick without health insurance: full-price bills, emergency care rules, medical debt, enrollment limits, state penalties and where to get help.
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What Short-Term Health Insurance Options Are Available?
How short-term health insurance works, what it doesn’t cover, where it isn’t sold, federal duration rules, and better options to check first.
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How to Get Health Insurance If You Are Unemployed
Lost your job or between jobs? How to stay covered with a marketplace plan, Medicaid, COBRA or a spouse’s plan, and which stopgaps to be careful…
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How Do You File a Health Insurance Claim?
When you need to file your own health insurance claim, what you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, filing deadlines, and what to do if it’s denied.
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