Josie Grabois

A plain-English guide to prior authorization in health insurance: what it means, which services commonly need it, how the process works, how long decisions take under federal rules, what happens if you skip it, and how to appeal a denial. Continue reading Prior Authorization Explained: What It Is, How It Works and What to Do If It’s Denied

A plain-English guide to health insurance for freelancers, contractors and small business owners: Marketplace plans and subsidies, a spouse's plan, COBRA, Medicaid, HSAs, the self-employed health insurance deduction, what to avoid and how to choose. Continue reading Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: Options, Costs and the Tax Deduction

Lost your job and your health insurance? This guide compares COBRA continuation coverage with an ACA Marketplace plan: costs, deadlines, the 60-day windows, deductibles, doctor networks, Medicaid and a step-by-step decision checklist. Continue reading COBRA vs Marketplace Coverage After Job Loss: How to Choose

The No Surprises Act explained in plain English: which surprise medical bills it bans, what it does not cover (like ground ambulances), the notice-and-consent rules, Good Faith Estimates for uninsured patients, the $400 dispute threshold and how to get help. Continue reading The No Surprises Act Explained: Surprise Medical Bills, Your Rights and How to Dispute

HSA vs FSA compared for 2026 and 2027: eligibility, contribution limits, rollover and use-it-or-lose-it rules, Bronze and Catastrophic plans that now qualify for HSAs, limited-purpose FSAs, Medicare timing, and how to decide which account fits your situation. Continue reading HSA vs FSA: Differences, Limits and Who Should Use Which