Health Insurance Before Medicare — Compared and Explained, Free
If you're not yet 65 and trying to figure out your coverage options in Wisconsin, you're in the right place. I help pre-65 adults — early retirees, self-employed individuals, and people between jobs — compare ACA marketplace plans and find coverage that actually fits their situation.
The Same Price You'd Pay at Healthcare.gov — With Someone in Your Corner
One of the most common things I hear is, "I didn't know I could use a broker for this." You can — and it costs you nothing extra. ACA brokers are compensated directly by carriers, which means your premium through me is identical to what you'd pay at healthcare.gov or on your own. The law requires it. What you get in return is someone who compares the available plans in your county and income bracket before recommending anything.
I enroll clients through HealthSherpa, a licensed ACA enrollment platform that gives me access to the full marketplace so I can run side-by-side comparisons on your behalf.
What We Offer
Who I Work With on Individual Health Coverage
Most of the people I help with ACA coverage fall into one of these situations:
Early retirees who left the workforce before 65 and need coverage until Medicare begins
Self-employed individuals who don't have access to employer-sponsored insurance
Spouses of Medicare enrollees who aren't yet Medicare-eligible themselves
People between jobs who need a bridge plan while they figure out next steps
Adults who aged off a parent's plan and are shopping on their own for the first time
If you're in any of these situations, a free conversation is a reasonable first step. I'll look at your county, your income, and your anticipated healthcare needs — and walk you through what's actually available.
What Does ACA Coverage in Wisconsin Actually Look Like?
The ACA marketplace in Wisconsin offers individual and family health plans from private insurers, organized into metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — based on how costs are split between your premium and out-of-pocket expenses. Many Wisconsin residents qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly costs significantly, depending on household income.
As an independent broker, I'm not limited to one carrier's plans. I compare options across the marketplace and, where relevant, off-exchange plans as well, so you're seeing the full picture — not just what one company wants to sell you.
Early Retirement Doesn't Have to Mean Uncovered Years
Retiring before 65 is increasingly common — and so is the coverage gap it creates. Medicare doesn't start until you turn 65, which can mean months or years of needing to find your own health insurance. The ACA marketplace was built for exactly this situation, and subsidies are often available for pre-65 retirees depending on income.
I help early retirees map out their coverage options year by year, including how income changes in retirement can affect subsidy eligibility. If Medicare is on the horizon, I can also help you plan the transition so there's no gap when the time comes.
Self-Employed Health Coverage Shouldn't Be This Complicated
If you run your own business, finding health insurance often falls entirely on you — and the options can feel overwhelming. ACA marketplace plans, off-exchange plans, short-term coverage: the differences between them aren't always obvious, and the wrong choice can mean high out-of-pocket costs or gaps in coverage when you actually need care.
I work with self-employed individuals to compare options based on income, expected healthcare use, and budget. You tell me what matters most — keeping premiums low, minimizing deductibles, keeping a specific doctor in-network — and I find the plans that match those priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACA Plans in Wisconsin
Where do I get health insurance if I'm not yet 65 in Wisconsin?
The ACA marketplace is the primary option for most pre-65 adults in Wisconsin. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly cost. I can compare available plans in your county and walk you through your options at no charge.
Is it more expensive to use a broker instead of going to healthcare.gov directly?
No. ACA brokers are paid by insurance carriers, not by you. Your premium is the same whether you enroll through me, through healthcare.gov, or directly with a carrier. Using a broker just means you have someone comparing options and explaining the tradeoffs before you decide.
What is HealthSherpa and why do you use it?
HealthSherpa is a licensed ACA enrollment platform that connects to the federal marketplace. I use it to run plan comparisons for clients and complete enrollments efficiently. It gives me access to the same plans available at healthcare.gov, with better tools for comparing costs side by side.
Can I get ACA coverage if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed individuals are among the most common ACA marketplace enrollees. Your net income is used to calculate subsidy eligibility, and in many cases self-employed adults qualify for meaningful premium reductions. I help self-employed clients compare plans based on income, expected healthcare needs, and budget.
What if I need coverage for just a year or two before Medicare starts?
That's a very common situation. ACA plans can be enrolled in annually, so short-term pre-Medicare coverage is straightforward to arrange. I can also help you plan the transition to Medicare so there's no gap in coverage when you turn 65.
Do you help with Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicaid eligibility and Medicare-Medicaid integrated programs involve a separate process that's outside my primary focus. For Medicaid questions, Wisconsin's ForwardHealth portal is the right starting point.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Finding the right individual health plan is a lot easier when someone walks through the marketplace with you. I offer free consultations for pre-65 adults across Wisconsin — no pressure, no obligation, just a clear look at what's available and what makes sense for your situation.