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Health insurance 101
Master the basics
What is health insurance, and how does it work?
Understand the marketplace
Learn how to shop on Healthcare.gov and exchanges.
Find affordable coverage
Our tips and tricks for finding a great plan.
Learn the lingo
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From life to home & auto, we help you get insurance right
Insurance company reviews
Frequently asked questions
Q
How do I apply for Obamacare?
A
You can only apply for Obamacare during Open Enrollment, a 45-day window near the end of the calendar year designated for buying health insurance. Outside of this window, you’ll only have a chance to buy a marketplace plan if you experience a qualifying life event like losing your current health coverage or gaining a family member.
Q
What is a flexible spending account (FSA)?
A
An FSA is a bank account used specifically to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. FSAs are made available through your employer, but contributing to yours is optional. So why contribute? Because the money you put in an FSA is deducted from your taxable income.
Q
What is a health insurance deductible?
A
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for health care before your health insurance kicks in and starts covering the costs. Most health insurance plans are essentially cost-sharing between you and the insurer; how those costs are divided depends on the specifics of your plan.
Q
What are the differences between HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plans?
A
Health insurance plans offer a wide range of benefits and costs. Some plans provide more flexibility around which providers you can see, while others might require you to get permission or pre-authorization from the insurance company before you can have a medical procedure.
Q
What is short-term health insurance?
A
Short-term health insurance is an alternative to a traditional health insurance plan, meant to be a temporary bridge for individuals and families until they can enroll in a regular health plan. These plans are typically sought after by people who need some coverage outside of Open Enrollment, such as when you’re in-between jobs or waiting for Medicare coverage to begin.