If you’re self-employed, work gig jobs, or buy coverage for your family, comparing health plans can feel like sorting through a stack of fine print with a deadline looming. For 2027 coverage, the federal Open Enrollment window runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for a January 1 effective date; December 15 is not the final deadline. Georgia Access runs on the same schedule. That makes now a good time to get organized and see which type of coverage fits your needs, budget, and health history.

The goal isn’t to pick a plan based on a catchy name or the lowest monthly premium. Start with The Big Three Filters: your tax history, pre-existing conditions, and whether your household may cross the Subsidy Cliff.

Michael Peck is a licensed insurance agent, not a legal or financial advisor. This article is educational and does not replace personalized advice.

Start with The Big Three Filters

1. Tax history. If you use advance premium tax credits for ACA coverage, you generally need to file a federal tax return and reconcile those credits. In practical terms, that means reporting your final income and household details so the IRS can compare them with the information used to calculate your credit. If you’re self-employed, estimate your household income carefully and update it if your circumstances change.

2. Pre-existing conditions. ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions. You can’t be denied ACA coverage or charged more because of your health history. That protection can be especially important if you need ongoing prescriptions, specialist visits, or treatment for a condition you already have.

3. The Subsidy Cliff. The enhanced ACA premium subsidies expired after 2025, bringing back the original income limit under current rules. A household above the applicable 400% federal poverty level threshold may become ineligible for the applicable ACA premium tax credit, depending on household size, coverage year, current federal guidance, and other eligibility factors. As general planning estimates—not universal limits—that threshold is around $64,000 for one person or $132,000 for a family. The threshold is based on household income used for tax-credit purposes, not simply your paycheck.

That sharp cutoff is called the Subsidy Cliff: being just over the limit can mean losing the tax credit rather than gradually receiving a smaller one. The original ACA rules and their limitations have returned, so don’t assume your subsidy will continue at the same level. The expiration of the enhanced credits was a federal policy change; a licensed agent or tax professional can explain how it applies to your household.

Call Rachel at 512-850-6604 if you’d like a real person to help you sort through the three filters.

Compare coverage types in this order

The right starting point is usually to compare ACA coverage first, then consider other products based on what you need and what you can afford.

1. ACA

ACA plans are comprehensive health coverage, and they cover pre-existing conditions. You may qualify for premium tax credits based on your household's information. For eligible applicants, premium tax credits may reduce the monthly premium. The amount depends on household size, projected income, location, plan selection, coverage year, and applicable eligibility rules. Compare more than the premium: check the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, prescription coverage, doctors, and whether your preferred hospitals are in-network.

For a closer look at income estimates and tax credits, read our guide to ACA tax credits for self-employed people.

2. Short Term Medical

Short Term Medical (STM) can be worth comparing if you’re between jobs, need temporary coverage, or find that full-price ACA coverage doesn’t work for your budget. For some eligible applicants, STM may have a lower premium than unsubsidized ACA coverage, but the comparison depends on the applicant, carrier, state, underwriting, policy terms, network, and benefits.

Some STM policies may use broad PPO networks, but network access, covered services, exclusions, duration, and benefits vary by carrier, state, and policy. But STM is not major medical and is not the same as comprehensive ACA coverage. Plans may use medical underwriting, which means your health history can affect eligibility or coverage. Benefits, exclusions, duration, and provider access vary by policy and state. Check the policy details closely, especially for pre-existing conditions and services you expect to use.

3. Accident

Accident coverage may pay a set benefit for certain covered injuries or services after an accident. It can help with expenses that an underlying plan leaves you responsible for, but it is not a replacement for comprehensive health coverage.

4. Hospital

Hospital indemnity coverage may pay a defined benefit when you have a covered hospital stay. Review the benefit rules and limits so you know when a payment applies and what costs remain yours.

5. Critical care

Critical illness coverage may provide a specified benefit after a covered diagnosis. It can help cushion the financial impact of a serious illness, but it does not cover every condition or replace regular health insurance.

6. Term life insurance

Term life insurance is designed to provide a benefit to your chosen beneficiaries if you die during the covered term. It isn’t health insurance, but it may be part of your family’s broader financial protection plan.

7. Dental

Dental coverage can help with eligible preventive and other dental services. Compare waiting periods, covered services, annual limits, and participating dentists.

8. Vision

Vision coverage may help with eligible eye exams, lenses, or frames. Check the benefit schedule and whether your preferred provider participates.

Supplemental products (such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness) are best viewed as potential gap fillers. They pay according to their own terms and do not turn an STM policy into comprehensive coverage.

Call Rachel at 512-850-6604 for help comparing what a plan covers with what you may still pay yourself.

A practical comparison checklist

Before you enroll, put your leading options side by side and answer these questions:

• What is the full monthly premium? If you’re comparing ACA plans, distinguish the price before and after any tax credit.
• What could you pay when you use care? Compare deductibles, copays or coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum where applicable.
• Are your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions included? Check the specific plan network and drug list rather than assuming they match last year’s.
• How does the plan treat your medical history? ACA coverage includes pre-existing conditions; STM underwriting and exclusions can work differently.
• What happens if your income changes? Revisit your estimated household income if your work, hours, or business earnings shift.
• What is the plan’s duration and renewal policy? Rules and available products vary by state and policy. Don’t assume a short-term policy will continue or that losing it gives you another chance to enroll in ACA coverage.

If you're looking for self-employed or gig worker coverage in Texas, Florida, Ohio, or Georgia, compare the available plans for your specific county and situation. A general search can turn up several product types, but the label alone won't tell you what is covered. Our guide to health insurance options for gig workers is another useful starting point.

Licensed agents and Navigators: what’s the difference?

Government-funded Marketplace Navigators and CMS support staff may provide impartial Marketplace information, explain application steps, and assist with enrollment paperwork. They generally do not recommend a specific plan or act as the consumer's insurance agent.

A licensed health or life insurance agent, such as Michael Peck, can discuss plan differences, offer personalized recommendations, and help you enroll in a suitable option. An agent can also provide year-round support and act as a dedicated advocate when you have questions about your coverage. Ask about licensing, how the agent is compensated, and which plans they can review. For tax or legal questions, speak with a qualified tax or legal professional.

Real Health Quote is licensed in 15 states: TX, DE, FL, IN, KS, MS, MO, NC, SC, OH, OK, MI, TN, GA, and VA. Product availability varies by state. As a sole proprietor, Michael believes transparency matters more than making a pitch: medically underwritten coverage may not be right for everyone, and nobody should be led to believe they’ll qualify before the details are reviewed.

Call Rachel at 512-850-6604 if you want help narrowing down your options without guessing your way through the fine print.

Your next steps before November 1

Gather the information you’ll need to compare plans: household members, an estimate of your 2027 income, your doctors and prescriptions, and any coverage needs you expect. If you’re self-employed or have changing gig income, build a realistic estimate and remember to update it if your income changes.

Then compare the full cost and coverage, not just the monthly premium. For ACA plans, check whether you qualify for a tax credit and how your household income relates to the Subsidy Cliff. If you’re considering STM, read its exclusions, underwriting rules, duration, and network details before deciding whether it fits.

You don’t have to solve every question alone. Real Health Quote helps individuals, families, and self-employed people compare coverage and understand their choices. Talk with us at 512-850-6604, or request a quote to get started. Or call us directly at 512-850-6604.

There are always ways to find you coverage—all you need to do is schedule an appointment with me and I will find you something.

Rachel at 512-850-6604.

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Michael Peck is a licensed insurance agent, not a legal or financial advisor. Real Health Quote is an independent health insurance agency licensed in 15 states (TX, DE, FL, IN, KS, MS, MO, NC, SC, OH, OK, MI, TN, GA, VA). Products and availability vary by state. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, the federal Marketplace, or Medicare. Health insurance regulations and plan details can change; always consult with a professional regarding your specific tax or legal situation.