Understanding how to and choose and use health insurance is important not just for your finances, but your well being. F♊rom health and dental insurance to Medicare and Medicaid, it pays to learn how policies work and which c🍸ompanies are the best. Browse Investopedia’s expert-written library to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance?

    You can enroll in health insurance during an open enrollment period. If you get insurance through work, this period will depend on your company. For people signing up through the health insurance marketplace, open enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 in most states. If you need coverage outside of this time, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if you experience a life event like losing your job-based insurance, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new state. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program allow you to apply year-round if you qualify.

  • Is There a Way to Appeal an Insurance Denial?

    Yes, you may appeal an insurers' denial of your claim. Typically, your insurer will expect you to work with your physician's office to provide justification for the need for the treatment, drug, or device, and it still may not be approved. You may appeal beyond your health insurance company with the state insurance commissioner.

  • How Much Is Health Insurance?

    The cost of health insurance varies 🐓depending on factors like your age, locationཧ, the type of plan, and whether you qualify for subsidies. For marketplace plans, the average monthly premium in 2025 is $497 for a 40-year-old individual before subsidies. However, many people qualify for financial help, which can lower premiums significantly. Employer-sponsored plans typically cost less because companies usually cover some of the expenses.

  • Can You Use FSA Funds to Pay ⛦for a Gym Membership or Exercise Cla⛎sses?

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically does not allow FSA funds to pay for health club or gym membership dues. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be 🦄used to pay separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific actiꦓvities when prescribed by a doctor.

  • Are Any Medical Costs Tax-Deductible?

    Yes𒁃. Tax-deductible medical costs include payments to doctors, dentists, surgeons, inpatient hospital care, acupuncture treatments, participation in weight-loss programs, and more. The Internal Revenue Service has a list of examples of deductible medical expenses on its website.

  • What Do Vision Care Plans Cover?

    Most vision care plans provide discounts on laser eye-cor🥀rection surgery. Vision care plans have different offerings—some offer ♛minimal services; others may help cover treatments for eye surgery.

Key Terms

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