The Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period starts Nov 1st 2022 and goes to Jan 15th 2023. You can apply for ACA plans outside of OEP if you have a Qualifying Life Event. Non-ACA plans are available all year round.

Generally, to be eligible for group health insurance, a business must have at least one common law employee (full-time equivalent employee other than the business owner or a spouse), and be considered a legal business entity according to its state’s regulations. 

Pros:

• Fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
• Freedom to choose doctors nationwide. Access to all providers who accept Medicare. 
• Coverage while traveling overseas.

Cons:

• Higher monthly premiums 
• No prescription coverage (Available separately through Plan D).
• No extra benefits (Dental, vision, hearing, fitness)

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. Sold by private insurers, these plans cover everything covered by Original Medicare but may also offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing and fitness discounts. Most plans also include prescription coverage.

Pros:

• All-in-one plan which covers Medicare Part A, B, and D 
• Lower premiums. 
• Dental, Vision, Hearing, Fitness Discounts

Cons:

• Limited choices for providers, most plans cover in-network only
• Higher out-of-pocket and emergency costs
• No coverage while traveling

Not always. Life insurance is not worth it if you don’t have a family or beneficiaries. But if you do and you want to support their lifestyle after death, life insurance is a must.

With a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan you must stay within the plan’s network of providers to receive coverage and it requires referrals from a primary care physician for specialist visits. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) allows you to choose any physician you wish, either inside or outside of their network (you pay more for out of network) and the plan does not require referrals for specialists. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) works like an HMO but does not require referrals from PCP. Point of Service (POS), like an HMO, may require the use of a primary care physician and referrals. And like a PPO, it allows for coverage outside of the network.