https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/blog/ Guides from independent health benefits advisors on CHOICE (ICHRA), Direct Primary Care, health sharing and health coverage options. en-us Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/aca-open-enrollment-2027-starts-november-1-your-pre-enrollment-checklist/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/aca-open-enrollment-2027-starts-november-1-your-pre-enrollment-checklist/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT 2027 ACA open enrollment runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027; enroll by Dec 15 for a Jan 1 start. Use this checklist to compare plans first. 1099 / Self-Employed Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-much-does-direct-primary-care-cost-in-2026-real-prices-by-region-and-practice/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-much-does-direct-primary-care-cost-in-2026-real-prices-by-region-and-practice/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:54:34 GMT Direct Primary Care memberships average about $99 per member per month in 2026, with prices that vary by region and practice. See what's included. Health Insurance Education Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-explain-new-health-benefits-to-employees-during-open-enrollment/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-explain-new-health-benefits-to-employees-during-open-enrollment/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:18:22 GMT How to explain new health benefits, including Direct Primary Care and health sharing, so employees understand their choices before enrollment opens. Employer Benefits https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-sharing-plans-explained-how-they-work-what-they-cost-and-who-they-fit/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-sharing-plans-explained-how-they-work-what-they-cost-and-who-they-fit/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:56:13 GMT How health sharing plans work, what they typically cost each month, and who they fit. Health sharing is not insurance, and availability varies by state. 1099 / Self-Employed Employer Benefits Health Insurance Education Individuals & Families Job Transitions / COBRA https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/direct-primary-care-for-employers-should-it-be-part-of-your-2027-renewal/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/direct-primary-care-for-employers-should-it-be-part-of-your-2027-renewal/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:40:48 GMT What Direct Primary Care is, what it costs employers, how it works alongside your health plan, and how to add it before your 2027 plan year. Employer Benefits https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-insurance-for-freelancers-in-2026-your-complete-coverage-strategy/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-insurance-for-freelancers-in-2026-your-complete-coverage-strategy/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:22:41 GMT How the 2026 ACA tax credit changes affect freelancers, and how to compare Marketplace plans, HDHPs, Direct Primary Care and health sharing for 2027. Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/what-is-ichra-a-complete-guide-for-employers-heading-into-renewal-season/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/what-is-ichra-a-complete-guide-for-employers-heading-into-renewal-season/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:24:23 GMT How a CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA) works, what employers typically contribute, the 2027 affordability rule, and how it compares with a group plan. Employer Benefits Health Insurance Education https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/your-health-insurance-premium-went-up-in-2026-here-is-what-to-actually-do-about-it/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/your-health-insurance-premium-went-up-in-2026-here-is-what-to-actually-do-about-it/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:06:09 GMT Why ACA Marketplace premiums jumped in 2026 after the enhanced tax credits expired, and the options you have at 2027 open enrollment. 1099 / Self-Employed Health Insurance Education Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-compare-health-plans-and-choose-the-right-coverage/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-compare-health-plans-and-choose-the-right-coverage/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:18:51 GMT How to compare health plans on total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium, including HMO, PPO and HDHP differences and when an HSA makes sense. Health Insurance Education https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-insurance-terms-made-simple-what-you-need-to-know/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-insurance-terms-made-simple-what-you-need-to-know/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:18:17 GMT Plain-language definitions of premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums and networks, so you can compare plans confidently. Health Insurance Education https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/understanding-health-insurance-a-complete-guide-for-individuals-and-employers/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/understanding-health-insurance-a-complete-guide-for-individuals-and-employers/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:17:45 GMT A plain-language guide to how health insurance works for individuals and employers: premiums, deductibles, networks, plan types and alternatives. Health Insurance Education https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/navigating-cobra-alternatives-and-coverage-gaps-as-a-1099-worker/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/navigating-cobra-alternatives-and-coverage-gaps-as-a-1099-worker/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:15:37 GMT Leaving a corporate job to freelance? Compare COBRA with Marketplace plans, health sharing and Direct Primary Care before your election window closes. 1099 / Self-Employed https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-coverage-for-the-self-employed-affordable-options-for-1099-workers/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-coverage-for-the-self-employed-affordable-options-for-1099-workers/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:14:14 GMT Health coverage options for freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors: Marketplace plans, HRAs, health sharing and HSA-eligible plans. 1099 / Self-Employed https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/short-term-health-coverage-quick-solutions-after-job-loss/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/short-term-health-coverage-quick-solutions-after-job-loss/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:11:37 GMT How short-term health plans can bridge a gap after job loss, what they leave out, and how they compare with COBRA and Marketplace coverage. Job Transitions / COBRA https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-choose-the-right-health-coverage-for-your-family/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-choose-the-right-health-coverage-for-your-family/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:09:40 GMT A step-by-step framework for choosing family health coverage: review your real care needs, compare plan types and networks, and weigh HDHPs with HSAs. Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-coverage-for-individuals-and-families-affordable-options-beyond-traditional-insurance/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-coverage-for-individuals-and-families-affordable-options-beyond-traditional-insurance/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:55:31 GMT Options for individuals and families beyond traditional insurance, including health sharing, Direct Primary Care and HSAs, and how to compare them. Individuals & Families https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/cobra-alternatives-and-cost-saving-strategies-for-employers/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/cobra-alternatives-and-cost-saving-strategies-for-employers/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:54:39 GMT How small and mid-size employers can help departing employees find lower-cost coverage than COBRA, including CHOICE (ICHRA) and Marketplace options. Employer Benefits https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-choose-the-right-health-benefits-for-your-small-business/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/how-to-choose-the-right-health-benefits-for-your-small-business/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:54:19 GMT A step-by-step framework for choosing small business health benefits, from assessing employee needs to comparing CHOICE (ICHRA), QSEHRA and HSAs. Employer Benefits https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-benefits-for-small-and-mid-size-employers-smarter-alternatives/ https://journeyhealthadvisors.com/health-benefits-for-small-and-mid-size-employers-smarter-alternatives/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:52:38 GMT How small and mid-size employers can offer health benefits on a predictable budget with CHOICE (ICHRA), HSAs and other alternatives to group plans. Employer Benefits