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.
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