When that $7.99 hit every month for my ad-level Netflix subscription, I always felt that slight ping of annoyance.

And…I didn’t want to pay more to go ad-free.

I usually do more streaming during the winter months, and when I couldn’t find something wonderful to watch—or I was too busy shoveling snow—I felt like I was wasting my money.

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The three choices we all face

At a certain point, I decided enough was enough.

I had three choices:

• just accept the price and the lackluster experience
• pay more
• cancel and go without

This is the same decision tree people go through every single day when it comes to their health insurance.

They either feel like they have to settle for a high rate…or they cancel their plan and go without.

Both options are frustrating.

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Why frustrations are rising

Recent policy changes have only made things more complicated.

Enhanced ACA (Affordable Care Act) premium subsidies, which were expanded in recent years to lower costs for millions of Americans, are now uncertain and subject to change depending on policy decisions.

As a result:

• subsidies may revert to earlier levels
• many middle-income households are seeing premium increases
• some lower-income households may no longer qualify for $0 premium plans
• many people are experiencing renewal shock as new coverage takes effect

In other words…the future feels uncertain.

And uncertainty + renewal notices = stress.

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This isn’t an isolated issue

You may have heard stories of premiums jumping significantly from one year to the next.

This is happening to more people than you might expect.

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There are still other options

Despite the uncertainty, there is some good news.

Even if ACA subsidies change…
Even if they are extended…
Even if nothing changes…

You may still have options.

Private, underwritten health plans exist specifically for small business owners and consultants.

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Why these plans work differently

These plans use medical underwriting, meaning they assess your health during enrollment.

If you’re healthy and don’t have pre-existing conditions, you’re grouped with other healthy individuals, which helps keep costs lower.

It’s similar to how good drivers get better car insurance rates.

Because these plans aren’t subsidized by the government, they’re also not subject to the same political uncertainty or income-based pricing fluctuations.

You’re paying for coverage that more closely reflects your health profile.

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What these plans can offer

These plans:

• don’t depend on your income
• don’t fluctuate based on policy changes
• often offer strong PPO networks
• can save hundreds (sometimes thousands) per month

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A quick gut check

Ask yourself:

• did your renewal notice make your stomach drop?
• has your income grown beyond subsidy levels?
• are you paying more and getting less?
• are you unsure what your actual benefits even are?

If you answered yes to any of these, it may be worth exploring other options.

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A simple reminder

You deserve to get what you pay for.

You deserve a health plan that doesn’t frustrate you month after month.

Book a quick call with me.