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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What Cities Spend the Most on Health Care, and Which Spend the Least?
Where health care and health insurance cost the most and least, why costs vary so much by city and state, and what it means for your…
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Health Insurance Regulations by State
How health insurance rules differ by state: what federal law requires everywhere, what states add, which plans state rules don’t cover, and how to check yours.
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What Type of Health Insurance Covers Surgery?
What type of health insurance covers surgery? Any major medical plan. What you’ll pay, prior approval, surprise-bill protections, and cosmetic exceptions.
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Universal Health Insurance
What universal health insurance is, the main models countries use, how the U.S. compares, and the arguments for and against universal coverage.
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Is Self-Funded Health Insurance Right for You?
What self-funded and level-funded health plans are, their pros and cons for employers, and what employees in self-funded plans should know about their coverage.
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Long-Term Care Insurance
What long-term care insurance covers, what care costs in 2025, what Medicare and Medicaid pay for, how policies work, and who should consider buying one.
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Health Insurance for Expats
Health insurance for Americans living abroad: employer expat plans, international health insurance, local systems, medical evacuation and Medicare rules.
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Does Smoking Affect Your Health Insurance Rates?
Does smoking raise health insurance rates? Yes, up to 50% on ACA plans in most states, and subsidies don’t cover it. State rules and how to…
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HMO Health Plans
What an HMO health plan is, how networks and referrals work, the pros and cons compared with PPOs, and who an HMO fits best.
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Health Insurance Coverage Types
The main types of health insurance: where coverage comes from, HMO, PPO, EPO and POS networks, metal levels, and coverage that isn’t full insurance.
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