Guides
Plain-English explainers for the health-coverage decisions that actually cost money. Every guide cites primary sources — the IRS, HealthCare.gov, CMS, the SSA — and shows the work, so you can check the math instead of trusting a black box. Each one pairs with a free calculator.
Featured guides
New here? Start with the pillar guide for your topic.
How ACA subsidies work in 2026
The premium-tax-credit formula in plain English, who qualifies, the returning 400% cliff, and a worked example.
Read the guide → COBRAIs COBRA worth it?
What COBRA really costs (the 102% rule), how long it lasts, the 60-day windows, and how to decide against a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Read the guide → Self-employedThe self-employed health deduction
Deduct your premiums above the line, lower your MAGI, and solve the circular Pub 974 case when you also get a subsidy.
Read the guide → MedicareMedicare IRMAA explained (2026)
The income surcharge on Part B and Part D — the 2026 brackets, the two-year lookback, the per-tier cliff, and how to appeal.
Read the guide → IncomeMAGI: ACA vs Medicare IRMAA
There are two different MAGIs. Why ACA adds back Social Security and uses this year, while IRMAA doesn't and looks back two.
Read the guide →Browse by topic
Each topic centers on a calculator and the questions people ask before they use it.