Chicago Healthcare Solutions

Chicago Health Insurance Advisors

Navigating the "Subsidy Cliff." We help you find affordable coverage—whether through the Marketplace, Short-Term plans, or Small Group options.

Understanding the Rate Shock

The 400% Cliff Explained

Federal subsidies have changed dramatically. If your income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty line, you may now face full-price premiums with no tax credit assistance.

Did your premium just spike? MC Chicago Insurance helps you calculate if you still qualify for subsidies—and shows you alternatives if you don't.

Survival Options

Recalculate Income (Optimize MAGI)
Off-Exchange Plans (PPO Networks)
Short-Term Medical (Up to 60% Savings)
Medi-Share (Health Sharing Alternative)
Dental & Vision (Standalone Plans)
Disability Income (Paycheck Protection)

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3 Ways to Beat the Rate Hike

Income Calibration

The Tax Strategy: Contributing to an IRA or HSA can lower your "Adjusted Gross Income" (MAGI). We do the math to see if a small contribution can unlock thousands in subsidy savings.

Short-Term Medical

The Escape Hatch: Healthy and under 65? A Short-Term plan (UnitedHealthcare/National General) is often half the price of ACA. It doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, but it's a vital safety net.

The Network Check

Warning: To keep premiums low, many plans have narrowed their networks (HMOs). We verify if your doctor at Rush or Northwestern is actually in-network before you enroll.

Pro Tip: A $6,000 IRA contribution could reduce your taxable income enough to qualify for $4,000+ in annual premium subsidies. The math often makes sense.

Small Business Rescue

Group Health Advantage

Priced out of the Individual Market? If you own a business (even with just 1 employee), a Small Group Plan is often cheaper, tax-deductible, and offers superior PPO networks (Blue Choice) that individuals can't buy.

Tax Deductible

100% of premiums are a business expense.

Better Networks

Access to Blue Cross PPO plans unavailable to individuals.

1+ Employees

Qualify with just yourself and one W-2 employee.

Often Cheaper

Group rates can beat individual market pricing.

Medicare: Seniors Unaffected

Stable Coverage for 65+

Medicare is separate from ACA volatility. If you're 65 or older, you're insulated from marketplace premium swings. We help seniors navigate the stable world of Medicare Supplements (Medigap).

Medicare Benefits

Keep Your Doctors: Most Medigap plans work with any Medicare provider.
No Referrals: See specialists directly without primary care approval.
Predictable Costs: Know exactly what you'll pay each month.
Part D Guidance: We help you find the right prescription drug plan.

Medicare vs. Marketplace

Medicare (65+): Federal program with stable, predictable premiums. Supplements (Medigap) cover out-of-pocket costs. Not affected by ACA subsidy changes.

Marketplace (Under 65): Subject to annual premium changes and subsidy eligibility. Income-dependent assistance available for those who qualify.

Protect the Paycheck

The Forgotten Risk: If you get sick and can't work, health insurance pays the doctor—but who pays the mortgage? Disability Insurance replaces your income so you don't lose your home while recovering.

Disability Coverage Options

Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Business Overhead Expense
Key Person Disability

Who Needs It Most?

Self-Employed: No employer safety net means you're fully responsible for income replacement.

Primary Earners: If your family depends on your paycheck, disability insurance is essential—not optional.

The Enrollment Deadlines

The Clock Is Ticking

Missing an enrollment window means waiting months for coverage. Know your deadlines and plan ahead. We help you navigate the calendar so you're never caught without protection.

ACA: Nov 1 – Jan 15 Medicare: Oct 15 – Dec 7 Short-Term: Year-Round

Don't Wait For

Open enrollment to pass—call today
A qualifying life event to act
An emergency to realize you're uninsured
Penalties for late Medicare enrollment

Life Insurance Protection

Term Life

Affordable coverage for 10-30 years. Ideal for mortgage protection and child-raising years.

Whole Life

Permanent coverage with cash value. Builds wealth while protecting your family forever.

Final Expense

Simplified issue for seniors. No medical exam required for coverage up to $25,000.

Common Questions

Changes in federal subsidy calculations (known as the "Subsidy Cliff") impact higher earners most severely. If your income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty level, you may have lost access to tax credits entirely. We can help you re-check eligibility and explore income optimization strategies.

Only if you are self-employed (100% deductible as a business expense) or if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Group health plans for businesses are fully deductible—one reason small business owners should consider group coverage.

Yes, but coverage is tiered and varies by plan. Short-Term Medical generally excludes maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions. It's designed as a temporary safety net for healthy individuals, not comprehensive coverage for ongoing medical needs.

It varies by family size and changes annually with federal poverty level updates. For 2024, a single person earning under approximately $58,000 may qualify for some subsidy assistance. Contact us for a precise calculation based on your household size and projected income.

For ACA Marketplace plans, you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, moving, having a baby). However, Short-Term Medical, health sharing plans, and supplemental coverage are available year-round with no enrollment restrictions.

HMOs require you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialists. They typically have lower premiums but narrower networks. PPOs offer more flexibility—see any doctor without referrals—but cost more. We verify if your preferred Chicago providers are in-network before you enroll.

Usually not. Most health insurance plans exclude dental and vision coverage for adults (pediatric dental is required under ACA). We offer standalone dental and vision plans that can be purchased separately and are available year-round.

Contributions to traditional IRAs, HSAs, and SEP-IRAs reduce your Modified Adjusted Gross Income. Self-employed individuals can also deduct business expenses and self-employment tax. We help you calculate whether these strategies make sense for your situation.

Health sharing ministries are not insurance—they're communities where members share medical costs. They're often cheaper than ACA plans and have no network restrictions. However, they can deny claims and aren't regulated like insurance. We explain the pros and cons honestly.

Yes—they serve completely different purposes. Health insurance pays medical bills while you're alive. Life insurance provides a death benefit to your family if you pass away. If anyone depends on your income, life insurance is essential regardless of your health coverage.

Beat the Rate Hike Together

Premium shock doesn't have to derail your budget. We compare all your options—Marketplace, Short-Term, and Group—to find the right fit.

(224) 616-9430 Get Your Free Quote

Serving Chicago from 3945 W Devon Avenue

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