Health insurance FAQ

Yes. Private plans and short-term plans (where sold) can be bought year-round, so you don't have to wait for open enrollment. Need a person to help? Learn what a health insurance broker does.

Private plans can be bought year-round with a short application, often use national PPO networks, and may cost less. ACA plans are sold during open enrollment.

For ACA plans, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in most states. Private plans can be bought year-round. See all states, or read what's changing this open enrollment on our blog.

You pay the full cost of any care yourself, and there's no federal tax penalty. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and DC charge state penalties; Vermont requires reporting but has no penalty. Private plans can be bought year-round, so you can get covered any time.

Yes, where they're sold. Short-term plans can be bought year-round, and some start the next day.

No. We never charge you a fee for our help. Agents are paid by carriers.

The most you pay for covered in-network care in a year, after which the plan pays 100%. Each plan lists its out-of-pocket maximum in the plan documents, and we review it with you.

A plan that lets you see any provider, usually without referrals, and pays something toward out-of-network care.

Often yes, via the self-employed health insurance deduction (IRS Form 7206). Ask your tax professional.

Usually names, birth dates and your ZIP code. Your agent tells you anything else a specific plan needs.

Ascend Health Consultants LLC works with licensed agents who are licensed in all 50 states (not the District of Columbia). We specialize in private, off-exchange plans.

An employer-sponsored health plan governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Read what an ERISA plan is.

A third-party administrator runs a health plan's claims, ID cards and member service. See what a TPA health plan is.

A high-deductible plan that lets you open a Health Savings Account. See HSA-qualified plans and how an HSA works and its tax benefits.

Medically underwritten plans use a short questionnaire. See what a health questionnaire is.

Coverage that pays cash to help with your plan's out-of-pocket costs. See gap health insurance.

Yes. Our licensed agents can explain how ACA Marketplace plans work, walk you through 2027 open enrollment dates and metal tiers, and compare them side by side with private PPO plans. Start with our guide to ACA Marketplace plans.