Guides
In-depth, plain-English guides to go with our calculators. No jargon, no product pitches, no paywalls.
HSA vs. FSA: Which Health Account Should You Use?
Both use pre-tax dollars, but an HSA is a portable investment account and an FSA mostly expires each year. How each works and when to pick which.
How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan
The cheapest premium is rarely the cheapest plan. How to weigh premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket max against how much care you actually use.
Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance: What You Actually Pay
Deductible, copay, coinsurance, out-of-pocket max: what each term really costs you, and a worked example showing how they stack up on a big bill.
How to Lower a Medical Bill You've Already Received
A medical bill is an opening number, not a final one. Itemize it, check it against your EOB, ask for the cash rate, negotiate, and apply for assistance.
Medicare Costs Explained: Parts A, B, C, and D
Medicare isn't free. What Parts A, B, C, and D each cover and cost, plus how higher incomes pay more through the IRMAA surcharge two years later.