Health Insurance Help
Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Watertown

What are my options if I just lost my job's health insurance?

Losing job-based coverage usually opens a Special Enrollment Period of about 60 days, so you can buy an individual plan right away instead of waiting for open enrollment. COBRA lets you keep your old plan, but you pay the full premium yourself — often far more than a Marketplace plan, especially if you qualify for a subsidy. It's worth comparing both before you decide.

How does ACA / Marketplace coverage work?

Marketplace plans are individual and family plans that can't turn you down for pre-existing conditions. They're grouped into tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold — that trade a lower monthly premium against higher out-of-pocket costs, or the reverse. Many households qualify for subsidies that lower the monthly price, based on income and household size.

I'm turning 26 — what do I do about health insurance?

At 26 you generally age off a parent's plan, and that change opens a Special Enrollment Period so you can pick up your own coverage without waiting. If you're working, check whether your employer offers a plan. If not, a Marketplace plan — often with a subsidy — is usually the most affordable route.

What are my choices instead of COBRA?

COBRA isn't your only option when job coverage ends. An individual Marketplace plan is frequently cheaper, especially with a subsidy, and losing coverage qualifies you to enroll outside the usual window. Depending on your situation, a spouse's employer plan, a short-term plan, or Medicaid may also be worth a look.

How do I know if I qualify for a subsidy?

Subsidies are based mainly on your household income and size, and the qualifying range is broader than most people assume — plenty of folks are surprised to find they're eligible. We can run the numbers with you so you're not leaving money on the table.

Medicare basics: what to know as you approach 65

Most people become eligible for Medicare at 65. It comes in parts — hospital, medical, prescription, and all-in-one Advantage options — and the choices you make when you first enroll can affect your costs and options down the road. A quick review before your enrollment window opens can save headaches later.

What is ICHRA, and could it work for my business?

An Individual Coverage HRA lets an employer reimburse employees, tax-free, for health insurance they buy on their own, instead of offering a single group plan. For many small businesses it's more predictable and flexible than traditional group coverage. Whether it's a good fit depends on your team and budget — we can help you weigh it.

Do I need supplemental coverage?

Supplemental plans — dental, vision, accident, and critical-illness — cover costs your main medical plan often doesn't. They're usually inexpensive, and they can protect you from surprise bills. Whether they're worth it comes down to your health, your budget, and the gaps in your current plan.

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