Aura Insure Blog

Open enrollment is the time each year when you can sign up for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan. For 2026 coverage, the...

A plan with a low premium  may have higher deductibles and co‑payments, while a plan with a higher premium  may offer lower costs when...

The out‑of‑pocket maximum  is the most you’d pay in a year for covered services. After you reach it, the plan pays 100% of covered costs....

If both you and your spouse have access to employer plans, compare them carefully. Some employers charge spousal surcharges  if your...

With some plans (like HMOs), you need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. Other plans (like PPOs) let you see...

An FSA  lets you set aside pre‑tax dollars for medical expenses, but the money typically must be used within the plan year. An HSA  is...

If your income meets certain guidelines, you may qualify for savings or subsidies  that reduce your premium. These subsidies can make...

High‑deductible health plans often come with a Health Savings Account (HSA) . HSAs let you set aside money before taxes to pay for...

When you shop, consider both premium  (monthly payment) and out‑of‑pocket costs  like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The plan with...

Plans are grouped by metal tiers. Bronze  plans have low premiums but higher costs when you get care, while Silver  or Gold  plans have...

If you need a lot of care, costs can add up. Check the plan’s deductible —the amount you pay before insurance starts to help. Look at...

Prescription coverage can vary widely. Look up the plan’s formulary  (drug list) to see if your medications are covered and how much...

Using doctors in your plan’s network usually costs less. Check whether your regular doctors, specialists, and hospitals are covered....

Your monthly premium  is the amount you pay each month to stay covered. If you expect to use few medical services, look at plans with...

To choose the right plan, start by looking at last year’s medical use: count how many times you visited doctors and specialists, and list...

Take time to match each plan’s network with the doctors and facilities you use. Check coverage for any procedures or medications you...

Many plans now include virtual care  or telehealth  services for mental health and common illnesses. You can check whether mental health...

Most people can sign up for health insurance during the open enrollment  period, which begins each November. If you miss that window, you...

There are several kinds of health plans. A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)  usually requires you to see doctors in its network and...

Not usually. COBRA can be very expensive  because you pay the full premium. ACA plans often cost less, especially with subsidies. Unless...