Most People Have No Idea How Their Health Insurance Works

Most people don't think about health insurance until they're forced to — and by then, it gets expensive fast. Patrick Rogers and Josh Crumley of HealthMarkets break down ACA marketplace plans, private coverage, Medicare, and the 2026 subsidy cliff. If you're self-employed, retiring before 65, or losing employer coverage, the rules just changed — and this episode explains what that means for your financial plan.   Topics covered: ACA marketplace vs. private insurance · Health insurance before Medicare at 65 · The 2026 ACA subsidy cliff · Medicare planning basics · Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs · Healthcare costs in retirement · Health sharing ministries · COBRA and coverage gaps · Common insurance mistakes · How health insurance affects your overall financial plan.   00:00 – Intro & Podcast Disclaimer 00:38 – Meet Josh Crumley & Why Health Insurance Matters 01:28 – Why Health Insurance Feels So Complicated Today 02:45 – The Different “Buckets” of Insurance Plans 05:00 – Why Premiums Have Changed So Much 07:58 – ACA Plans vs Private Insurance 10:45 – Health Sharing Ministries & Alternative Options 13:40 – What People Need to Know About Coverage Limits 16:25 – Provider Networks Explained 19:15 – Understanding Deductibles, Copays & Out-of-Pocket Costs 22:05 – What Happens If You Don’t Have Coverage 24:50 – Emergency Care, Hospitals & Financial Risk 27:25 – Why Healthy People Still Need a Strategy 30:10 – Healthcare Costs & Retirement Planning 32:55 – Medicare Basics & Planning Ahead 35:30 – How the Industry Has Changed Over the Years 38:15 – The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Insurance 40:40 – Planning for Future Healthcare Expenses 43:40 – Long-Term Care & Aging Considerations 46:30 – Final Thoughts on Flexibility & Financial Planning 49:00 – Where to Learn More & Closing Thoughts