Plain answers about health coverage.
When you can enroll, how the tax credit works, and what a small business needs for its first group plan.
Individuals and families
Marketplace plans, tax credits, and enrollment windows.- Losing job-based health insurance: your 60-day windowLosing job-based coverage lets you enroll in a Marketplace plan from 60 days before it ends to 60 days after. How to weigh COBRA and when coverage starts.
- The premium tax credit: who qualifies and how it worksYou qualify for the premium tax credit based on income, household and access to other coverage. How the advance credit works, what 2026 changed and tax time.
- Health insurance options when you’re self-employedSelf-employed? Your main options are a Marketplace plan with the tax credit, a spouse’s job-based plan, COBRA, or a group plan once you hire. How to choose.
- Self-employed? How to estimate income for the MarketplaceThe tax credit uses projected net income, not gross receipts. How self-employed people estimate it, update it mid-year and reconcile it on Form 8962.
- Special enrollment periods: what qualifies, how long you haveLosing coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby and some income changes can open a special enrollment period, usually 60 days. Start dates and what to do next.
- Turning 26: choosing your first health planCoverage on a parent’s plan usually ends around age 26, and you can enroll 60 days before or after. How to compare metal levels, networks and deductibles.
Small business
Group plans and the choices around them.- First group health plan: participation and contribution rulesCarriers set minimums for how many eligible employees enroll and what you pay toward employee-only coverage. How waivers, owners and start dates fit in.
- What goes on a group health census (and what doesn’t)A group health census needs each employee’s date of birth or age, home ZIP, coverage tier and employment status. No names needed to quote. What to leave off.
- How small business health insurance worksYour business buys one group policy and pays part of the premium for eligible staff. What drives the cost, how the tax deduction works, and group vs individual.
- ICHRA vs a traditional group health planAn ICHRA gives each employee a monthly allowance to buy their own individual plan; a group plan is one policy for everyone. Where each fits a small business.