ACA Marketplace: Understanding the Upcoming Insurance Hikes

October 28, 2025

Imagine logging in to renew your health-insurance plan this November and discovering your monthly premium has nearly doubled — all because Congress couldn’t agree to fund the tax credits that have quietly kept your coverage affordable. That’s the stark reality for millions of Americans enrolled in the health insurance marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Under the ACA, individuals and families who do not get health insurance from an employer or through a public program can shop at a federal or state-based “Marketplace.” Insurers offer plans in metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)—with varying premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. What keeps many of these plans affordable is the federal premium tax credit. If you qualify (mainly based on income as a share of the federal poverty level), you receive a subsidy that reduces the monthly premium you pay.

Because of this subsidy, many enrollees pay only a modest portion of what might otherwise cost thousands of dollars. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that thanks to the enhanced tax credits, an individual making $28,000 “will pay no more than around 1 % ($325) of their annual income towards a benchmark plan.” The system ties a person’s share of premium costs to their income, and the subsidy covers the rest. This critical safeguard has kept coverage within reach for millions of lower-income Americans.

Why Subsidies Are in Danger of Expiring

The wrinkle: the enhanced subsidies many people now rely on are temporary unless Congress renews them. These enhancements were introduced by the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extended under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. They expanded eligibility (including households earning more than 400% of the poverty level) and reduced out-of-pocket costs for individuals. But unless renewed by year’s end, they sunset at the end of 2025.

Even more urgent: insurers are already filing their proposed 2026 premiums, assuming no renewal of the enhanced tax credits. KFF reported that enrollee net premium payments could increase by 114 % on average—from about $888 in 2025 to about $1,904 in 2026—if the enhanced credits expire.

What People with Low Income Will Face

For low- and moderate-income Americans who depend on the marketplaces, the expiration of enhanced subsidies is more than theoretical—it’s a budget-breaker.

If subsidies are eliminated, many enrollees will see their monthly premium contributions skyrocket. KFF’s analysis shows that without the enhanced tax credits, average annual premium payments for subsidized enrollees would more than double. Some households will lose eligibility altogether. For people earning above 400 % of the poverty level, that subsidy cliff means they go from some assistance to none. KFF explains that “people with incomes over four times the poverty level will no longer be eligible for any financial assistance” if the enhanced credits expire.

The rate increases compound the effect: insurers are proposing median premium hikes of around 18 % for 2026. Those who are already barely making ends meet may find the new premiums impossible. One enrollee in Florida told Health News Florida that she’s already struggling to cover other rising costs. “The rent is going up. The water bill is going up,” said the Florida resident. “I cannot afford a premium hike.”

A missing subsidy cushion means not just higher premiums but a greater risk of losing coverage altogether. As Jason Levitis, Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute, explained, “If you have fewer subsidies, you’re going to have less health coverage and less health care.”

Why Enrollment Has Grown Recently

Enrollment in the marketplaces has surged in recent years, and the subsidy enhancements are a significant reason. Before the enhancement period, around 11 million people used the marketplace; now more than 24 million are enrolled.

Several factors have driven the growth. The enhanced tax credits increased eligibility and lowered what many paid, making coverage far more accessible. Improved outreach and usability—especially as state-based marketplaces matured—helped consumers find and keep plans more easily. At the same time, rising costs in employer-based coverage pushed more people to shop for plans individually. According to KFF, the enhancements cut annual premium payments by an estimated 44 % (about $705) for many subsidized enrollees. “The enhancements made it easier for millions of people to afford health coverage,” said Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President for Health Policy at KFF. “If they expire, we could see those gains wiped out almost overnight.”

In short, more help meant more people using the marketplace. The flip side is that less help could mean fewer people—and higher premiums for those who stay.

What’s at Stake

At the core of the current federal budget impasse (which led to the shutdown beginning October 1, 2025) is a fight over whether to extend the enhanced subsidies. Democrats insist that any funding deal must include the subsidy extension, arguing that letting them expire would cause a major affordability crisis. Republicans are pushing for reopening the government without tying the subsidy question directly to the budget deal, saying the issue should be negotiated separately.

From a consumer standpoint, the stakes are enormous. Without subsidy extensions, millions may lose assistance, face steep premium increases, or drop coverage altogether. KFF’s district-level data show that premiums would at least double in many parts of the country if the enhancements are not renewed. Rising premiums could also cause healthier enrollees to opt out, worsening the insurance risk pool and pushing rates even higher in subsequent years.

For families already squeezed by inflation and rising living costs, this would trigger an affordability crisis. “The cost of health insurance is never going to be low enough for a person who makes just above poverty to be able to afford it,” said Cynthia Cox, Director of KFF’s Program on the Affordable Care Act. “If you want that person to have health insurance, then there needs to be financial assistance.”

If Congress doesn’t act, many Americans will pay far more—or lose coverage altogether. As open enrollment begins, millions will face difficult choices about whether they can keep the coverage that has protected them for years, and whether Washington will act before the bills come due.

Insure You Know

Before you finalize your renewal or new plan selection, it may help to check out Insure You Know — a secure, central place where you can store and manage the critical information your family will need (insurance details, plan documents, contact numbers, and more). Taking a few minutes now to upload your coverage information ensures you’re ready for whatever changes lie ahead, and helps keep everything organized so you’re not scrambling when the numbers on your bill jump or the policy rules shift.

From “Promise to Pay” to “Promise to Help – The New Direction of Insurance

October 9, 2025

Insurance used to be pretty straightforward. Something went wrong, a claim was filed, and the company paid out. It was businesslike, dependable, but distant, a transaction built on the idea that help came only after things fell apart.

That mindset is slowly disappearing. Modern insurers are moving from a simple promise to pay toward something broader, a promise to help. It’s a quiet shift, but a powerful one. Instead of showing up after the storm, insurance is learning how to stand beside people before it hits.

What’s Changing and Why

A few years ago, the idea of an insurer sending out real-time alerts or helping clients avoid accidents might have sounded ambitious. Now it is becoming normal. Several forces are pushing this transformation forward.

Customer expectations have changed.

People want services that respond in the moment, not days later. They want their insurer to feel like a partner, not a policy. If their fitness app can track every heartbeat, they wonder why their insurer cannot send a simple safety reminder when a major storm is on the way.

Technology made prevention possible.

Connected homes, smart cars, and wearable tech give insurers tools to spot problems before they happen. It is no longer just about predicting who might file a claim, it is about helping them avoid needing one.

Competition sparked a rethink.

Digital-first insurers, often smaller but more agile, have proven how personal and convenient insurance can be. Established companies are learning to adapt, realizing that loyalty now comes from service, not slogans.

Trust is back in the spotlight.

In truth, insurance has always depended on trust. But trust today is earned differently, not just by paying out quickly, but by showing up early, being transparent, and actually making life a bit safer.

How the “Promise to Help” Looks in Practice

It is easy to forget that most people do not want to think about insurance at all. The “promise to help” changes that by offering useful touchpoints that matter in everyday life.

• Sending storm or flood alerts before damage happens.
• Helping drivers plan safer routes or spot maintenance issues.
• Offering healthy-living rewards that lower costs and build good habits.
• Providing quick repair or recovery options instead of endless paperwork.
• Checking in after an event, not with forms, but with guidance and reassurance.

It is still insurance, but it feels different, more human, more present.

Challenges on the Way

No big change comes without friction. Some insurers still struggle with old systems that do not talk to each other. Others are cautious about how much personal data they collect, and rightly so. Privacy is not just a legal issue, it is emotional.

There is also the challenge of tone. Helping customers without seeming intrusive takes care and empathy. A message that is meant to be helpful can easily feel like surveillance if it is poorly timed or worded.

But the companies that get this balance right are setting a new standard. They are showing that care and commerce can actually coexist.

What This Means for Policyholders

For policyholders, this new direction means fewer surprises and better peace of mind. Instead of being left on their own until something breaks, customers now get small but meaningful touches of support along the way.

They see their insurer less as a faceless institution and more as a partner in protection, a brand that does not just cover life’s troubles but helps prevent them. That sense of security, before and after a crisis, is what builds lasting trust.

How Insurers Can Keep the Promise

To make the shift sustainable, insurers will need to do more than upgrade technology. They will have to reshape how they think about service itself.

1. Focus on listening. Every great service begins with understanding real needs.
2. Keep technology human. Data is helpful, but empathy is irreplaceable.
3. Be transparent. People should always know how and why their data is used.
4. Work together. Partnerships with health, home, and repair services make help more real.
5. Deliver small wins. A helpful reminder or quick response builds more loyalty than a billboard ever could.

These small, consistent actions turn a new promise into a lived experience.

A More Human Kind of Protection

The shift from a “promise to pay” to a “promise to help” is not just clever branding, it is a sign of maturity in the industry. Insurance is finding its way back to what it was meant to be: a source of reassurance in uncertain times.

When help arrives before the loss, customers notice. When it comes with understanding instead of fine print, they remember. That is how insurance stops being something people tolerate and starts becoming something they genuinely trust.

And maybe that is the kind of promise worth keeping.

How to Organize Insurance Documents for Easy Access and Safety

September 10, 2025

Insurance papers have a sneaky way of vanishing. One day they’re on the desk. The next, they’re wedged behind a stack of bills nobody has touched in months, or stuffed into a drawer labeled vaguely “Important Stuff.” Most people think, “I’ll deal with it later.” And then life happens. A fender-bender in the rain, a surprise hospital visit, or a leaky pipe turning the living room into a swamp. Suddenly finding the right document is like searching for buried treasure. Who remembers which folder holds the car insurance from two years ago? Or the health policy hidden behind envelopes untouched since last spring? That’s exactly why InsureYouKnow.org exists. It keeps everything safe, organized, and ready exactly when it’s needed.

Quick Access When Stress Hits

Emergencies never arrive at convenient times. Picture this: rainy night, minor car accident, and the insurance card is nowhere. People start digging through drawers, piles of mail, or folders labeled vaguely, hoping to locate it. Classic mistake. With a secure online vault, all documents are accessible in seconds. No panicking. No frantic calls. Just calm access. That little sense of relief feels huge when stress is already sky-high.

Filing Claims Without Losing Your Mind

Claims are tricky. Forms, receipts, proof of loss. Lose even one, and hours of frustration appear out of nowhere. Even a tiny missing receipt can ruin the whole process. Digital organization keeps everything in one spot. Users can grab exactly what they need without running around like headless chickens. It’s like laying out all the puzzle pieces before trying to finish the picture. No guessing, no stress, no muttering under your breath.

Keeping Policies Up-to-Date

Insurance policies aren’t static. A new car, updated health coverage, or moving across town can change everything. Digital storage allows instant updates. Platforms like InsureYouKnow.org even send reminders for renewals or payments. It’s like having a tiny assistant who never forgets anything. Honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

Sharing Documents Safely

Sometimes family members, partners, or legal representatives need access to documents. But full access isn’t always safe. A secure vault allows selective sharing. Only authorized people see what they need. Sensitive information stays private. Confusion is avoided. One less thing to stress over when life is hectic. Trust me, that matters more than it seems.

Protecting Against Loss or Damage

Paper is fragile. Documents can be lost, stolen, or damaged by floods, fires, or even small accidents like spilling coffee on a stack of papers. Digital storage prevents all that. Even if life throws a mess your way, records remain safe. A few minutes of setup now can prevent hours of headache later. Classic mistake avoided.

How InsureYouKnow.org Helps

Binders, filing cabinets, or random computer folders are full of human errors. InsureYouKnow.org provides a secure online vault for insurance policies, banking info, retirement accounts, legal papers, and more. Everything is encrypted, password-protected, and easy to locate.

Getting started is simple:

• Sign up for an account.
• Upload all important documents.
• Set reminders for updates or renewals.
• Share selected documents only with trusted people.

Final Thoughts

Insurance isn’t just about paying premiums. It’s about being prepared. Disorganized documents increase stress and slow claims when time is critical. Organizing digitally saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures accessibility. Spending just a few minutes today uploading documents to InsureYouKnow.org can prevent hours of stress tomorrow. Small step, big peace of mind.

How to Prepare for College Living: A Survival Guide for Incoming Students

February 15, 2025

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into college, and soon, you’ll embark on one of the most exciting adventures of your life, along with 16 million others. But before you start dreaming about campus life, late-night study sessions, and newfound independence, there are some practical steps to ensure a smooth transition. From dorm essentials to financial planning, this guide will help you prepare for college living.

1. Master the Art of Budgeting

Living on your own means managing your finances wisely. Here’s how to stay on top of your budget:

• Create a Budget: Track your expenses, including tuition, rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
• Use Budgeting Apps: Apps like Mint, YNAB, or PocketGuard can help you stay organized.
• Open a Student Bank Account: Many banks offer students accounts with low or no fees.
• Look for Discounts: Your student ID is your best friend—use it for travel, entertainment, and shopping discounts.

2. Pack Smart: The College Essentials Checklist

You don’t want to arrive at college and realize you forgot something crucial. Here’s what to bring:

• Dorm Room Must-Haves:
  • Bedding (twin XL sheets, comforter, pillows)
  • Storage bins and organizers
  • Desk lamp and power strips
  • Laundry hamper and detergent
  • Shower caddy and flip-flops
• Tech Gear:
  • Laptop and chargers
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Portable hard drive or cloud storage subscription
• Kitchen Supplies:
  • Mini fridge (if allowed)
  • Microwave or coffee maker
  • Reusable water bottles and utensils
• Emergency Kit:
  • First aid supplies
  • Medications
  • Flashlight and extra batteries

3. Set Up Your Health & Insurance Plan

Make sure you have a solid plan in place for medical needs:

• Health Insurance: Check if you’re covered under your parent’s plan or if your college offers coverage.
• Locate Healthcare Providers: Know where the nearest doctor, dentist, and urgent care clinic are.
• Stock Up on Essentials: Pack prescription medications, vitamins, and a basic first-aid kit.

4. Learn Basic Life Skills

College is a time to gain independence, so mastering basic skills will help you thrive:

• Cooking Basics: Learn how to make simple meals to save money and eat healthier.
• Laundry 101: Know how to separate colors, use detergent, and read washing machine settings.
• Time Management: College life is busy—use planners or apps to manage assignments and social activities.

5. Prepare for Roommate Life

Sharing a living space can be a challenge, but good communication helps:

• Set Boundaries Early: Discuss sleep schedules, cleaning duties, and guest policies.
• Be Respectful: Small gestures, like cleaning up after yourself, go a long way.
• Resolve Conflicts Maturely: Address issues directly and respectfully to maintain a positive environment.

6. Get to Know Campus Resources

Colleges offer plenty of support services—take advantage of them!

• Academic Support: Visit tutoring centers and writing labs.
• Mental Health Services: Many colleges offer free or low-cost counseling.
• Career Services: Start networking and building your resume early.
• Student Organizations: Join clubs to meet new friends and enhance your college experience.

College is a time of growth, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. By planning ahead, you can make the transition smoother and set yourself up for success. Embrace the adventure, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. You’ve got this!

InsureYouKnow.org

College graduation prompts transitioning from a school-based existence to one replete with adult responsibilities. By preparing for the unforeseen future, college grads who do their homework and keep their records at insureyouknow.org, can begin living their lives to the fullest.

Is Your Home Ready for Extreme Weather?

January 1, 2025

From wildfire season with smoky air to higher temperatures and unexpected blackouts during freezing temps, the reality of extreme weather conditions is causing homeowners to better prepare their homes. While every homeowner should feel safe at home, a recent survey by Certain Teed revealed that less than 48% of people feel confident in their home’s durability in the face of extreme weather.

The good news is that smart updates will bring peace of mind and add value to your home. While some projects cost more money and time than others, there are several that require less of an upfront investment. No matter your budget, here are five easy home improvement areas to consider to protect your home and feel safer during weather events.

HVAC Systems Can Protect Against Temperatures and Poor Air Quality

Because people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, the quality of your home’s indoor air is crucial to the quality of your home life. One way homeowners can prepare for extreme weather and climate events is to make sure they have a reliable and well-maintained HVAC system in place. While it can be difficult to predict when climate-related issues may happen, an HVAC system can maintain inside temperatures, withstand harsh weather outside, and provide filtration that improves indoor air quality no matter what unfolds.

Preventative maintenance on your HVAC system and changing the filter every 30 to 90 days will help prolong the life and quality of your investment. Keeping your system at or above 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the colder months also helps prevent expensive issues like frozen and burst pipes.

Choose the Right Roofing Materials For Your Climate

Roof upgrades significantly increase your home’s resilience as well as its value. “The roof is the first line of defense on a home,” says Teed Lucas Hamilton, manager of applied building science at Certain. “It is important to select the right materials for your climate,” he says. Impact-resistant roofing, solar reflective shingles to combat rising temperatures, and fire-resistant materials are all things to consider when choosing roofing materials. In areas where strong wind is a possibility, hurricane fastening and straps can also further secure your roof.

When updating the roof, take into account the gutters. Simple add-ons like leaf filters help prevent blockages so that water doesn’t back up during heavy rainfall. When flooding is a concern, gutters should direct drainage away from the home’s foundation. Too much water around the foundation can lead to serious structural issues in the future, such as cracks in the foundation. A sump pump, which runs automatically to keep water out of basements and away from the foundation, is another wise investment in areas with heavy rain and storms.

Consider Window Updates or Replacements

In areas where debris impact is an issue, shutters that can cover existing windows ahead of a storm can safeguard a home during large storms. Impact windows, which have a heavy-duty frame and glass that’s engineered to remain intact even if it breaks in a collision, are another option, but depending on the number of windows your home has, they can get expensive.

Less expensive alternatives to shutters and window replacements include sealing existing windows and applying tints.

“First, use caulk to seal up any holes and cracks on the outside. Then apply weatherstripping and use a window or door insulation kit to block the cold and heat from the inside,” Hamilton says. “These changes help strengthen the barrier between your home and the outdoors, saving on heating and cooling and keeping the elements outside.”

Applying window tinting is another example of an inexpensive update that can block up to 80% of summer solar heat while also keeping some heat inside during winter months. Updates such as these protect from weather and increase energy efficiency by creating a better barrier between your home and the outside elements.

Make Simple Exterior Updates

Steel doors, which are made of more durable materials than some more elaborate door styles, upgrade a home’s entry points by withstanding storms. When certain updates, such as replacing every window in the house, are not in your budget, replacing the home’s main entry points with stronger doors can be a good place to start.

Changing the color of your exterior paint is another affordable update that can help with temperature control. “You might think that choosing the exterior color of your home is only about picking what color you like best,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List. “The climate you live in is crucial to picking the right color.”

In hot climates, light colors will help to reflect the sun and keep the interior cool, while those who live in climates prone to extreme colds should choose darker tones to retain heat better.

Maintenance is Key to Safeguarding Your Property

With increased extreme weather events, your home could be damaged slowly over time. It becomes more important to inspect your home for changes and keep up on maintenance to prevent larger repairs and damage down the road. Checking your roof after storms, such as noting any cracks, sagging, or debris in the gutters, is an important part of keeping your roof resilient during the next event. Trees around your home should also be checked for cracks in large branches or soggy soil around the roots, as those should be addressed to prevent damage in a future storm. Gutters should also be cleared regularly to prevent blockages, as well as collect debris from the yard that could become projectiles.

Insureyouknow.org Make sure you’re aware of how your community issues weather alerts. While some use outdoor sirens, others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms. No matter what kind of hazards your community may be prone to, the National Weather Service recommends developing a plan with your family ahead of time, such as knowing where your emergency meeting place is or where the safe room is in your home. Safe rooms are usually those without windows at the lowest level of your home. In the event that your home is compromised, Insureyouknow.org can protect all of your vulnerable paper documents by ensuring digital access, providing you with one less thing to worry about so that you may focus on the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Planning for the Care of Your Adult Child on the Spectrum

April 1, 2023

Today marks the start of National Autism Awareness Month. For parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder (or ASD), it is imperative that they begin to plan for their future now. The CDC recently reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD. Though it’s not something anyone wants to think about, every family should prepare for the day they are no longer around to care for their loved ones, especially those with disabilities. The most important part of designing a care plan is to utilize the help of professionals who specialize in the care of special needs. Since the process can be overwhelming,

“It’s essential to work with specialists in this type of planning,” said AndrewKomarow, founder of Planning Across the Spectrum in Connecticut. When working with a specialist, parents should let them know what they want for the child, so that a specialist can tell them what is right for their situation.

Financial Planning

For many, the most intimidating portion of planning for the care of a special needs child is likely the financial aspect. People with disabilities usually qualify for Government services, such as Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid, but sometimes that may not be enough. Many government services have income limitations, so it’s very important to set up supplemental income, such as personal funds and life insurance, properly in order to avoid the disqualification of government aid. A special needs, or supplemental needs, trust will hold the assets of a person with disabilities without costing them their government benefits; another financial option is an ABLE account, that allows savings up to $100,000 without losing government benefits.

To find a planning specialist that is trained in the care of those with special needs, parents may check the websites of the National Elder Law Foundation and Academy of Special Needs Planners.

Housing

When it comes to housing, “It’s more important to look at the individual,” Komarow said. “What interests and supports do they need?” Parents should think beyond their child living in the family home or with other family members. It’s important to consider how independently functioning they are and which communities will best serve their needs. In other words, instead of parents thinking about where they would like to retire, they should be looking at areas that their child can thrive in after they pass away.

There is a trend toward more community-based living, Gordon Homes with WestPoint Financial in Indianapolis points out. “State-administered Medicaid HCBS waiver programs allow people with disabilities to live in a house or apartment,” he said. A planning specialist will know about options such as these and be able to direct parents toward a solution they can be comfortable with, and their children, if able to, should always be brought into this conversation.

Designating a Care Team

How independently functioning a child with ASD is will determine what kind of care team needs to be put in place. A trustee will help to manage the trust on behalf of the child. They should be someone who is responsible, cares about the child, and will outlive the parents. A guardian or conservator would make all of the decisions regarding an individual’s financial and personal affairs. With a power of attorney, both they and the individual will be able to make decisions together. If able, the child should always be included in the decision-making process, because they should feel just as comfortable as their parents are with the designated care team.

Compiling Information for Caregivers

Marianne Ehlert of Protected Tomorrows, who works with families of people on the autism spectrum to plan for adult living, knows that, “Usually, parents or guardians of a teen understand what that child needs.” It will be important to determine whether or not a child will have the skills they need as a young adult to function independently, such as managing finances, scheduling care appointments, managing personal hygiene, and maintaining the shopping, cooking, and cleaning at home. This will also help determine what sort of living conditions they will need. Will they live with family, alone with minimal support, or will they need to live at a full-time care facility? A statement or letter of wishes, though not a legally-binding document, will serve as a guide for those who will care for your child. It should include all of the child’s care instructions, including medical needs, financial benefits, residential arrangements, and even daily routines.

Planning While Your Child is Still Young

When planning happens early, parents can learn about beneficial programs that their child may be eligible for, oftentimes at their own school. A child’s education can actually be designed to support their plans for the future. Special Needs Planning expert Phillip Clark points out that many planning processes focus on the care of the child once the parents are gone, but planning should be focussed on the child thriving both in the future and now. In order to succeed in the future, children need support now that will help them achieve all of their goals. Families should envision what they want for their child and then determine what needs to be done in order to make that happen.

Not only can planning provide caregivers with priceless peace of mind, but it can also lead to the discovery of resources that will help children with ASD flourish now. Since the planning process can be long, Insureyouknow.org can help parents stay organized by storing all of their documents in one place, such as financial information, medical records, and detailed care instructions.

Preparing for a Flood Before Disaster Strikes

October 15, 2022

Flooding is the most common and most damaging natural disaster in the country. In Florida, where Hurricane Ian’s floodwaters turned towns into rivers, flood risk is higher due to the state’s frequency of storms and proximity to water. Despite this, most insurance policies do not automatically cover flooding. No matter where you live, you should check your auto and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies as an initial step in preparing for a flood to keep you and your loved ones safe when a flood interrupts your lives.

Determining Your Risk Level

To find out the risk level of your property location, visit FloodSmart.gov/Flood-Map-Zone.

Because research has found that FEMA’s flood maps underestimate the danger in some areas as climate change advances, homeowners and renters unaware of their level of risk should act on the following points:

• Are you in a flash-flood-prone area? Contact the local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is in a flash-flood-prone area or a landslide-prone area.
• Make a communication plan and a disaster plan for your family.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of your contact person.
• Stay informed. Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, such as elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.

Preparing Your Home for a Flood

• Make sure you secure or protect any hazards in your home before the flood strikes.
• Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one. Make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with backup power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.

Creating an Emergency Supply Kit

Stock your home with supplies you may need during the flood by creating an emergency supply kit. Visit the CDC’s Personal Health Preparedness page for a list of supplies you’ll want to include in your kit.

Preparing Food and Water Supplies

Make sure you and your family have enough safe food and water (for drinking, cooking, and bathing) available in the event of a flood. For more information, visit Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency.

Reentering Your Flooded Home

When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your family. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for reentering your flooded home.

Reviewing Flood Insurance Options

Although you can purchase flood insurance at any time, waiting until a hurricane or major storm is threatening your home may be too late. Many policies take at least 30 days after purchase to take effect.

The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. This program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Standard flood insurance by the National Flood Insurance Program generally covers physical damages directly caused by flooding within the limits of the coverage purchased. Private providers may have higher limits or broader coverage compared to National Flood Insurance Program policies.

Regardless of which policy you select for your business or family, any coverage is better than none. If your property experiences flooding impacts from a disaster, it is not guaranteed you will be able to receive federal assistance. If your area has not received a Presidential Disaster Declaration that makes federal assistance available under FEMA, you will not receive federal assistance.

When there is an official Presidential Disaster Declaration, National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. For more information, visit National Flood Insurance Program or call1-800-621-FEMA.

Filing a Flood Insurance Claim

Flood insurance claims can be filed anytime you experience flooding on your property and can cover both a property and its contents.

If you need to file a flood insurance claim, be informed and prepared so that recovery can move quickly and smoothly. Before a disaster strikes, have updated photos of your home or business so that insurance providers can clearly examine your property and belongings. If your property has experienced flood impacts, take extensive photos of the damages before cleaning up. This will allow insurance providers to compare before and after photos to determine the extent of damages and arrange the best claim payment possible. As you’re cleaning, make a detailed list of lost or damaged items. If you have original receipts for items, hold onto those for documentation in your claim. After gathering all the necessary information, contact your insurance company to begin filing your claim.

InsureYouKnow.org

At InsureYouKnow.org, file your auto, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, photos before and showing flood damage, an inventory of your home and possessions, and your checklists of supplies needed for emergency events. If you are impacted by a flood, also keep track on this portal of your insurance claims and interactions with your insurance company and FEMA.

Shopping for SHOP Coverage

May 15, 2022

Signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act changed many regulations affecting small businesses and insurance. The law established the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) for small employers —generally those with 1–50 employees—who want to provide health and dental coverage to their employees affordably, flexibly, and conveniently.

Qualifications to provide SHOP coverage

Find out on the HealthCare.gov website if your business or non-profit organization qualifies for SHOP by meeting the following four requirements:

1.  You have 1-50 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)

• Use the FTE Calculator to see if you qualify. Note: To qualify for SHOP, you must have at least one FTE employee other than owners, spouses, and family members of owners and partners.

2.  You offer coverage to all full-time employees—generally, workers averaging 30 or more hours per week

• You don’t have to offer coverage to part-time employees—those averaging fewer than 30 hours per week—or seasonal workers.

3. You enroll at least 70 percent of the employees to whom you offer insurance

• Employees with other health coverage aren’t counted as rejecting your offer.
• Use the SHOP Minimum Participation Rate Calculator to see how many of your employees must accept.
• Some states have different minimum participation requirements. See if this affects you.
• If you don’t meet your minimum participation requirement, you can enroll between November 15-December 15 any year. During this time, the participation requirement isn’t enforced.

4. You have an office or employee work site within the state whose SHOP you want to use

• Visit this page, select your state, and see how to access SHOP insurance in your state.
• See what to do if your business operates in multiple states.
• If eligible, you don’t have to wait for an open enrollment period. You can start offering SHOP coverage to your employees any time of year.

Reasons to offer SHOP coverage

• SHOP insurance gives you choice and flexibility to:
  • Offer your employees one plan or let them choose from multiple plans.
  • Offer only health coverage, only dental coverage, or both.
  • Choose how much you pay toward your employees’ premiums and whether to offer coverage to their dependents.
  • Decide how long new employees must wait before enrolling.
• You can get the information you need in one location. You can make an informed decision about your SHOP insurance options with the tools at HealthCare.gov where you can compare plans and prices and find out if you qualify for SHOP.
• You can use your current SHOP-registered agent or broker or find an agent or broker in your area to help you enroll in coverage.
• You may be able to get the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Enrolling in SHOP insurance is generally the only way for eligible small employers to take advantage of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. You may qualify if you have fewer than 25 FTE employees making an average of about $56,000 or less. See how much your business could save. Updated IRC guidelines for small business health care tax credit and the SHOP marketplace can inform you if you are a small employer.

InsureYouKnow.org

Whether you are an employer or an employee in a small business, you may find it helpful to review SHOP coverage how-to guides, fact sheets, tools, and other resources. After making SHOP health insurance decisions, you can keep your records about the best plan for you and its costs, benefits, and features at insureyouknow.org.

Track Your Gifts on a Home Inventory

December 14, 2021

Lucky you! You’ve been nice, not naughty, so, you may be rewarded with gifts galore this holiday season. What’s on your wish list—a smart TV, a laptop computer, or a sporty new vehicle? In all the excitement of opening and enjoying your generous bounty, remember to keep track of your new acquisitions by adding them to your home inventory. If you’ve never compiled a home inventory, you can start with recent gifts and then add older possessions. You’ll also want to update your home inventory regularly and add new items or delete possessions you no longer own.

Why Should You Maintain a Home Inventory?

In the event of a burglary, fire, or another disaster, if you have an up-to-date home inventory, you’ll be able to file a detailed insurance claim quickly, settle faster, and receive compensation promptly. You also should review the current value of items you own in case you need to increase your home insurance coverage.

What Should You Include in a Home Inventory?

• A description of each item you possess, including the make, model, and serial number
• The estimated value of the item/replacement cost
• Appraisal or cost at the time of purchase
• Purchase date
• Receipt and source of purchase
• Photos of each item taken with your cell phone or digital camera
• Detailed description about the item if received as a gift

How Do You Make a List?

Here are some suggestions to help you organize your list:

• By room. Choose a room and list all the contents. For example, start in your living room and list everything, like your TV, sofa, recliner, and side tables. Remember to list even the mall stuff, like books, knickknacks, and decorations on your shelves.
• By groups of items. Or group together items like antiques, artwork, clothes, collections, jewelry, kitchen items, furniture, musical instruments, and miscellaneous items.
• Off-site items. Make sure you include belongings you keep in a self-storage unit covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Although you may be faced with the daunting challenge to document all your possessions in compiling a home inventory, persevere even if you can’t get it all done immediately. It’s better to have an incomplete inventory than not to have any assets recorded.

Should You Reevaluate Your Insurance Coverage?

While you’re documenting all your possessions, look at high-value items such as jewelry, musical instruments, artwork, camera equipment, and electronics. Keep in mind that your homeowner’s insurance might put a special sublimit on certain types of items. Realize that just because you have an item on your home inventory list, doesn’t mean you will get paid for it. Check your policy’s declaration page for special limits for specific categories of merchandise. You may need to purchase an insurance rider for items such as jewelry and specialized collections.

For example, a common homeowner’s insurance policy puts a $1,500 limit on theft coverage for jewelry and watches. If you have valuable items, you can “schedule” them. Scheduled personal property is an add-on to homeowners’ or renters’ insurance to insure high-value items for their full value.

Make sure your policy covers the replacement value of your possessions, not the actual cash value. An actual cash value payment would pay you only the depreciated value of your items, not new replacements.

If you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes or floods, you could consider earthquake insurance or flood insurance. Without them, your home and belongings won’t be covered in certain disaster situations.

InsureYouKnow.org

After you have created a detailed home inventory, you can store it at insureyouknow.org. You’ll be able to access your list of possessions and add, delete, or refine entries regularly. With a current record of your newly acquired and older possessions on file, you’ll be prepared if you need to file an insurance claim or reevaluate your insurance coverage.

Medicare Enrollment: Open Until December 7

October 28, 2021

Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the federal government for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

From October 15 through December 7 every year, depending on your circumstances, you are allowed to enroll in or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, or to drop your plan and return to Original Medicare. View a complete list of Medicare enrollment dates.

If you qualify for Medicare coverage or know someone who may need your help to learn about Medicare, coverage options, and how to apply, keep reading for a quick course in Medicare Basics.

Medicare Basics

Medicare and Medicare-approved private insurance companies offer the following options for you to get health care coverage:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover:
  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
  • Many preventive services (like screenings, shots, or vaccines, and yearly “wellness” visits)

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Medicare-approved private insurance companies that provide all Part A and Part B services and may provide prescription drug coverage and other supplemental benefits.

• Part D  (Prescription Drug Coverage): Medicare-approved private insurance companies that provide outpatient prescription drug coverage.

• Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap): Extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare. Policies are standardized, and in most states named by letters, like Plan G or Plan K. The benefits in each lettered plan are the same, no matter which insurance company sells it.
  • You need both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
  • Some Medigap policies offer coverage when you travel outside the United States.
  • Generally, Medigap policies don’t cover long-term care (like care in a nursing home), vision, dental, hearing aids, private-duty nursing, or prescription drugs.
  • If you’re under 65, you might not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or you may have to pay more.
  • Medigap policies are standardized, and in most states named by letters, like Plan G or Plan K. The benefits in each lettered plan are the same, no matter which insurance company sells it.
  • Find a Medigap policy that works for you.

Medicare Options

When you first sign up for Medicare and during open enrollment periods, you can choose one of the following two ways to get your Medicare coverage.

• Original Medicare (Includes Part A and Part B)
  • With Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the United States. Find providers that work with Medicare.
  • Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage. If you choose Original Medicare and want to add drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan. Medicare drug coverage is optional. It’s available to everyone with Medicare.
  • If you have other insurance you also may have other coverage, like employer or union, military, or veterans’ benefits, learn how Original Medicare works with your other coverage.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
  • In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
  • Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
  • Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, and dental services.
  • Most Medicare Advantage Plans include Part D coverage.
  • Below are the most common types of Medicare Advantage Plans:
  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans  
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) PlansPrivate Fee-for-Service (PFFS) PlansSpecial Needs Plans (SNPs)
  • Find a Medicare Advantage Plan for 2022.

Medicare Costs

Generally, you pay a monthly premium for Medicare coverage and part of the costs each time you get a covered service. There’s no yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket, unless you have supplemental coverage, like a Medicare Supplement Insurance. Get Medicare costs for current premium rates.

Health Insurance Assistance

Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free personalized health insurance counseling. SHIPs aren’t connected to any insurance company or health plan.

Sign Up Process

When you’re ready, contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare coverage:

• Apply online (at Social Security): This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. You’ll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online.
• Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
• Contact your local Social Security office.
• If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
  

Note: Medicare provides your coverage, but you’ll sign up through Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) because they need to see if you’re eligible for Medicare, including whether you (or another qualifying person) paid Medicare taxes long enough to get Part A without having to pay a monthly premium. They also process requests to sign up for Part B for Medicare.

InsureYouKnow.org

After you’ve met all the requirements to apply for Medicare coverage, have made your choices, and have signed up online, keep track of your decisions and copies of your Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Plan membership information at insureyouknow.org.