The PHS Blog

Health insurance, in plain English.

Short, honest answers to the questions people actually ask — written to inform you, not to scare you into a phone call.

BasicsAugust 18, 2026·5 min read

What Is a Health Insurance Deductible? A Plain-English Guide

Deductible, copay, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum — four terms that decide what you actually pay. Here's what each one means, with no jargon.

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EnrollmentAugust 15, 2026·4 min read

When Is Open Enrollment in California? (And When It Doesn't Matter)

Covered California runs November 1 through January 31. Miss it and you wait a year — unless you use a path where the window doesn't exist.

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COBRAAugust 11, 2026·6 min read

How Much Does COBRA Cost? A 2026 Breakdown

COBRA lets you keep your old employer plan — at 102% of its full cost. Here's why the price shocks people, and what your alternatives look like.

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Plan TypesAugust 8, 2026·6 min read

PPO vs. HMO vs. EPO: Which Plan Type Actually Fits You?

Three acronyms, one real question: how much freedom do you want in choosing doctors? A plain-English tour of the plan types.

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COBRAAugust 4, 2026·6 min read

COBRA Alternatives in California: Your Real Options

COBRA is the default after losing a job — not the only option. Californians have three real paths, and the right one depends on your health, budget, and timeline.

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Self-EmployedJuly 30, 2026·6 min read

Health Insurance for Small Business Owners and LLCs

Group plan? Individual plan? Something for the team? How California owners actually structure health coverage — without an HR department.

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Losing CoverageJuly 28, 2026·5 min read

Can You Get Health Insurance Without a Job? Yes — Here's How

No employer doesn't mean no coverage. Between private plans, Covered California, and Medi-Cal, every Californian has a path — here's how to find yours.

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Losing CoverageJuly 21, 2026·5 min read

Health Insurance Between Jobs: Don't Ride Out the Gap

A few uninsured weeks feels like a reasonable gamble — until you price a single ER visit. Closing the gap is easier and cheaper than most people think.

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Self-EmployedJuly 14, 2026·5 min read

Do Real Estate Agents Get Health Insurance? (Usually Not — Here's the Fix)

Almost every agent is a 1099 contractor, so brokerage benefits basically don't exist. Here's how California agents actually get covered.

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Plan TypesJuly 7, 2026·4 min read

Short-Term Health Insurance in California: Why You Can't Buy It (and What to Use Instead)

California banned short-term health plans in 2019. If you're searching for one, here's what the ban means and which real options fill the gap.

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Health insurance, in plain English.

What Is a Health Insurance Deductible? A Plain-English Guide

When Is Open Enrollment in California? (And When It Doesn't Matter)

How Much Does COBRA Cost? A 2026 Breakdown

PPO vs. HMO vs. EPO: Which Plan Type Actually Fits You?

COBRA Alternatives in California: Your Real Options

Health Insurance for Small Business Owners and LLCs

Can You Get Health Insurance Without a Job? Yes — Here's How

Health Insurance Between Jobs: Don't Ride Out the Gap

Do Real Estate Agents Get Health Insurance? (Usually Not — Here's the Fix)

Short-Term Health Insurance in California: Why You Can't Buy It (and What to Use Instead)

Three questions. One advisor. Zero pressure.

How many people in your household need health insurance coverage?