The Ultimate Adulting Task: Signing Up for Health Insurance

(Maria Fabrizio for WPLN and KFF Health News) Not many 22-year-olds share DJ Mikunda’s enthusiasm for health insurance coverage. “You know what sounds like a good Friday night? It’s looking at health insurance,” he joked. But Mikunda has a reason to be eager. He has gone without coverage since he left home and started working in 2023. He’s now a manager at a gas station in St. Louis. In years past, he has looked at plans on the health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov — but the options proved overwhelming and a bit too expensive. “I feel like I’m a well-informed individual,” Mikunda said. “I try to stay updated on what a deductible is and what the premiums are and copays. And I’m still finding myself a little bit lost.” To sort through the basics, HealthQ introduced Mikunda to independent assister Jackie Shrago, who has been helping people navigate the insurance marketplace since the early days of the Affordable Care Act. The QTip: Search for a free “independent assister” on healthcare.gov to better understand your insurance options. Income Drives the Conversation Shrago started by asking Mikunda about his income. How much money you expect to make in the coming year determine...