The Ultimate Adulting Task: Signing Up for Health Insurance

When DJ Mikunda, a 22-year-old gas station manager from St. Louis, thought about signing up for health insurance, he jokingly suggested it sounded like a good Friday night. However, he was eager due to having gone without coverage since leaving home in 2023. Despite being informed on deductibles, premiums, and copays, Mikunda felt lost when faced with the overwhelming options on healthcare.gov.

HealthQ connected Mikunda with independent assister Jackie Shrago, who has assisted people since the early days of the Affordable Care Act. Shrago began by asking about Mikunda's income, as eligibility for reduced monthly payments is determined by the amount expected to be earned in the coming year, using a sliding scale. For example, an individual making $50,000 would qualify for a 23% discount, while someone earning $30,000 would see nearly three-quarters of the cost covered by tax credits.

Shrago then discussed monthly affordability and the type of coverage needed, emphasizing it's a personal decision balancing upfront payments with out-of-pocket costs. Mikunda, who requires regular doctor visits and medication due to a chronic joint condition, might choose a plan that covers more medical costs despite stretching his monthly budget.

With many options to consider, Mikunda sought assistance, finding that one-on-one help was available through healthcare.gov and specifically through independent assisters like Shrago, who cannot charge for their services or receive compensation from insurance companies. Shrago advised starting the selection process early to avoid the rush before the Jan.

15 deadline, noting fewer assisters are available then. The Trump administration cut funding for independent assisters in 2025, reducing their numbers significantly and raising concerns over accessibility for those navigating the healthcare system.