The 2022 Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Review

Read our review on Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance and find out how it compares with other U.S. health insurance providers to help you reach a decision on what health plan to buy.

The 2022 Cigna Health Insurance Review

Read our Cigna health insurance review and discover how its plans compare with other health insurers in the United States.

2020 State by State Guide to Health Insurance Enrollment

The open enrollment period for 2020 runs from November 1 to December 15, though the deadline can vary by state. Here is a state by state guide to 2020 health insurance open enrollment.

Health Insurance for Freelancers

Freelance work is a common form of income generation, however, it can complicate things when it comes to health insurance. As a self-employed worker, it's important to understand your options when it comes to health insurance coverage.

Common Insurance Questions and FAQs

Finding the perfect insurance plan—whether it’s health, life, or auto insurance—starts with asking the right insurance questions. 

The High Cost of US Healthcare

Healthcare costs in the United States are among the highest in the world, but does that make us any healthier? PolicyScout takes a deep dive into what costs we face, what are the issues, and what does it mean for the current coronavirus pandemic.

Costs of Childbirth by State

The cost of birth is determined by the delivery method, whether you have health insurance and the extent of pre- and post-natal complications. That notwithstanding, the cost of giving birth varies from one State to another. In this article, find out how much it will cost you to give birth across all 50 states, through the C-section and vaginal delivery, with and without health insurance.

What Are the Metal Tiers in Health Insurance

All health insurance plans in the market disseminate into four categories: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The difference in tiers from the lowest to the highest responds to the different expenses your health insurance plan can share.

Health Insurance: Are You Underinsured?

Find out what it means to be underinsured and how you can expand your health insurance coverage.

Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions

Before the ACA was passed, health insurance companies could deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. There are a few exemptions that are important to understand when shopping for health insurance.

Health Insurance Fraud Trends for 2022 (including Covid-19 Insurance Frauds)

Health insurance is something everyone should have, but navigating the healthcare marketplace can be overwhelming. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Health Insurance While Traveling: What Do You Need to be Protected

When you're preparing to travel abroad you may focus your preparation on booking the perfect hotel, flight and rental car, making dinner reservations, and researching top attractions to visit. One thing you should definitely add to your list for travel preparation is travel health insurance.

Guide to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

Here is PolicyScout's ultimate guide to testing and treatment for the coronavirus.

How to Read Your Medical Bill

Understanding how to read your medical bill is vital to making sure you aren't missing any potential errors and losing money in the process.

ADHD: Is It Covered By My Health Insurance?

As mental health is becoming an increasing focus in our society, the question of health insurance coverage for treatment is on many people's minds. ADHD is a common condition that people face and it's important to know what treatment and coverage options are available.

3 Options If You Lose Job Based Health Insurance

Biden's COVID-19 Relief Plan Includes Crucial Healthcare Items

Details of the proposed COVID-19 response plan by President Biden include some crucial healthcare initiatives. These include vaccination efforts, testing, treatment and supplies, reopening of schools and businesses, and more.

Telemedicine: Does It Help Control Healthcare Costs?

Citizens and policymakers alike are exploring ideas to reduce the cost of health insurance. amidst an aging population and lack of healthcare access, especially for rural communities. Telemedicine may be one way to extend cost-effective, high-quality healthcare to more people.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

For major health organizations such as the CDC, the month of August is promoted as National Immunization Awareness Month. It is important to understand the conditions that are prevented by immunizations, where you can get them and what immunizations are covered by health insurance.

Amid Soaring Inflation, Cost of Health Insurance Drops for Millions

Inflation is causing Americans to be hit in the wallet at the grocery store, the housing market and much more but the price of health insurance is dropping for millions of people across the nation.

About The American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan aims to reduce health care costs, expand access to insurance coverage, and address health care disparities.

What is a Health Savings Account and Should You Have One?

A health savings account is a type of savings account that can only be used for qualified medical expenses. Money within an HSA is untaxed, which can save you money on deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

Guide to the COVID-19 Marketplace Enrollment

Last month, HealthCare.gov re-opened for enrollment for 12 weeks in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This gives people who were unable to sign up for healthcare coverage during Open Enrollment another chance with this special enrollment period. 

ACA Sees Enrollment Spike Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of everyday life, including health insurance. The ACA saw its enrollment increase for the first time in many years due to the effects the pandemic is having on people's health insurance coverage.

Guide to the COVID-19 Vaccine

A vaccine for COVID-19 is finally here and being distributed but many people still have a number of questions. Who will get the vaccine next, will another vaccine come on the market, and many more. Here is your guide to all questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Long Term vs Short Term Disability

Disability insurance can replace some of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It won’t cover your entire paycheck but is designed to help you cover your household expenses during the time can’t work. When it comes to short term vs long term disability, the difference is more than just the length of time the insurance will cover.

COVID-19's Impact on ACA Insurance Premiums

The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed how we do everything, from how we learn, how we work, how we socialize, and beyond. But, did you know that the coronavirus is also impacting Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance premiums?

Why You Should Pay Attention to Open Enrollment This Year

This year’s open enrollment is looking different than year’s past. Everything from COVID-19 to historic job losses is impacting the ACA marketplace. Therefore, it is more important than ever to pay attention to open enrollment this year to make sure you have the healthcare coverage that you need.

How the 2020 Elections Could Affect Your Health Insurance

Health insurance is often a key topic of discussion whenever election time rolls around. Here is how the 2020 elections could have an impact on your health insurance in the U.S.

How To Choose A Primary Care Physician

Maybe you're changing your health insurance provider or just aren't happy with your current primary care physician. Whatever the reason, choosing a new primary care physician can sometimes be a daunting task, simply because there are so many choices.

Out Of Pocket Limit Vs. Deductible: What's The Difference?

If you don’t have a good grasp on health insurance terminology, it’s difficult to choose the right plan. One of the most common questions we get is, “What is the difference between out-of-pocket-limit versus deductible plans?” They sound similar, but there is a big difference.

How Do Special Enrollment Periods Work?

Reasons Why You Might Get A Surprise Hospital Bill

Going to the hospital can provide much needed relief from whatever illness or issue you are suffering from. However, when you get the bill you might find some surprising costs. It's important to understand your medical bill and how to avoid any surprise charges.

Free Services You Can Get From Your Health Insurance

Are you making the most of your health insurance plan? If you're only visiting the doctor for a regular check-up every now and then, you might be missing out. When you enroll in health insurance, you could be unlocking some major benefits. 

Do You Have Gaps In Your Health Insurance Coverage?

5 Ways Marriage Changes Your Finances

It Pays To Get Fit

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can help you save money in more ways than one.

Post-Graduation Insurance Options

Graduating college is an exciting accomplishment filled with celebration. However, the transition out of college can also be daunting with the weight of decisions and navigating uncharted territories. Graduates are faced with searching for a new job and all the things that come along with that – perhaps a new city and a new community. Finding the right insurance is another thing to add to the list of things to navigate after graduation.

How Being Transgender Affects Health Insurance Coverage

According to the ACA, insurance companies that receive federal funding or have at least one plan on a federal or state healthcare marketplace may not discriminate based on gender identity or transgender status.

Is An HSA Right For You?

At first glance, an HSA is like any other kind of savings account: It’s a safe place for your money to grow.

Health Insurance Options For Young Adults

Whether you're in college or a few years into your career, health insurance is a must you shouldn't ignore even as a young adult. But with so many options available in the market, knowing where to start is sometimes challenging.

Financially Preparing For A Baby

Not everyone has the luxury of planning for their new child's arrival, and you can't prepare for every contingency that'll happen until they're on their own. But if you can, you should definitely take some steps in anticipation of the financial hit you'll take.

Addiction Center Treatment: Is It Covered Under Insurance?

There are several types of treatment options that may fall under your health insurance. When you're looking into the availability of these services, you'll want to see how long treatment is covered and the providers that are available as part of your network.

Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday travel is never seamless, but you can reduce the stress and difficulties by planning ahead and following a few easy tips.

6 Ways To Save Money On Prescription Medicine

With or without health insurance, there are always ways to beat the system and find great deals on all the prescription drugs you need. Here are six ways you can save money on your medications. 

How Many Steps Did You Take Today? Insurers Want To Know

Using technology to get in shape and improve your health isn't a new concept, as people have been using wearable trackers like the Fitbit for years now. But what is rather new is the idea that some insurance companies want access to the information these fitness trackers are collecting.

Why It Is Important To Ask About Benefits During An Interview

Most full-time jobs also come with benefits that can significantly affect your lifestyle and how much money you can make over your life.

Vaping And Insurance Premiums

Smokers pay higher premiums for health and life insurance because the habit puts them at higher risks for several serious illnesses.

10 Health Insurance Perks To Start Using Now

Health insurance often brings to mind the monthly premiums, the struggle of finding a doctor who is in-network, or the bills that may still arrive in the mail after a clinic visit. What many people don't realize is that health insurance policies come with a plethora of perks.

Difference Between Generic And Brand Name OTC Medications

For every brand name you recognize, there seems to be a similarly packaged generic option. At least half of the products on the shelves are generic. Which is the best? What do you need to know about generic versus brand name OTC medications before buying?

Pregnancy & Maternity Healthcare Guide

Getting good maternity health care in the United States is largely dependent on your insurance or government benefits. To protect yourself and your child, you need to understand what items are covered under most insurance policies as well as your options before and after the baby is born.

Understanding Health Insurance Changes for 2020

With a new year comes some changes to the health insurance market. Learn what health insurance costs and rule changes are being implemented in 2020 and how they can affect you.

How is Your Lifestyle Affecting your Health Insurance Cost?

When researching which health insurance is best for you, it is essential to note that insurance companies will look at the level of "risk" you may bring to the company. Learn more about how your lifestyle could be affecting your health insurance costs and availability.

Everything To Know About ICHRA 2020

What exactly is an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement? Beginning January 1, 2020, employers are able to offer this type of health plan their employees as an alternative to a traditional group health plan. Learn everything you need to know about a ICHRA plans and what to expect from this employer offering.

A Guide to Choosing a Health Insurance Policy

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to healthcare. A person under 30 who rarely needs to visit the doctor’s office may be looking at catastrophic or high-deductible plans. If you want a balance of reasonable fees and some choice of doctors and specialists, you may prefer a managed care plan. Choosing a health insurance policy that best fits your healthcare needs doesn't have to be difficult.

Coronavirus and Health Insurance | How to Ensure You Have Coverage

With the coronavirus leaving many Americans worried about their health and job security, it's important to understand what your health insurance coverage options are, even if you lose your job.

Benefits of Insurance Aggregators

An insurance aggregator site refers to a website that contains information from different insurance companies. Most people tend to spend time and money to contact various insurance brokers. However, the aggregator site avails all the information at a single point for your convenience.

Is Therapy Covered by Health Insurance?

If you need to seek mental health treatment you might ask, is therapy covered by health insurance? Fortunately, mental health insurance benefits have improved greatly in the last twelve years. As a result, most Americans with an insurance policy can now get their therapy visits covered at an affordable rate.

Does Medicaid Cover Counseling?

If you are looking for counseling services it is very likely covered under Medicaid. When shopping for a Medicaid plan, it's important to study its mental health and substance abuse benefits to make sure you are getting the best coverage.

How COVID-19 is Changing Insurance Coverage

As COVID-19 surges across the country, the demand for more accessible and affordable healthcare policies is increasing, strongly affecting the political landscape. The US has already altered many medical insurance practices and more are on the horizon.

All About Pregnancy And Health Insurance

If you're thinking about getting pregnant or already are pregnant, it is wise to make sure you have helpful health insurance and a financial plan to prepare. We have all you need to know about pregnancy and health insurance coverage.

How Much Disability Insurance Do I Need?

Most people focus on their auto, home and health insurance needs but disability insurance is sometimes overlooked. Disability insurance is essential to most Americans, particularly those with limited savings. But how much disability insurance do you need? Is your employer-sponsored plan enough coverage?

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for College Students

There is a lot to prepare for when sending your kid off to college. One big item to understand is health insurance coverage for college students. Will your healthcare plan cover your child? And is it your best option?

The Real Cost Of Having A Baby In 2020

Having a baby is a wonderful experience but it can be notoriously expensive, especially in the U.S. It's important to understand what the costs are and how you can prepare for it.

Where Should I Go? ER vs. Urgent Care

When you are in need of fast medical attention, an important thing to consider is whether your condition would be better suited for an emergency room vs an urgent care center. It's important to get the appropriate medical attention, but when you are able to choose an urgent care center it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Catastrophic Health Insurance: What To Know

Health insurance is an important thing to have to make sure you are covered for any necessary health services. However, in some cases, you may not need to full range of coverage that most health insurance plans offer. If you’re a healthy person who needs a simple health insurance plan, catastrophic health insurance may be for you.

Traveling During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Considering a trip but unsure about how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic? There have been a number of changes and safety precautions being implemented to help keep travelers safe. Learn more about what to expect while traveling during the pandemic and how you should plan to keep yourself safe.

Health Insurance for Volunteers

Many Americans get their health insurance through their employer, but what if you are a volunteer? As a volunteer, it is a little more difficult to navigate but there are several choices when it comes to health insurance coverage.