Health Insurance 101 (Without the Jargon)
Understanding the basics so you can stop Googling and start making smarter choices.
Let’s be honest: most people don’t understand their health insurance — and it’s not their fault. Between the acronyms, fine print, and sales tactics, the whole system feels built to confuse you.
At Wolfe Health, we believe understanding your coverage shouldn’t require a translator. So here’s a simple breakdown of the basics, no jargon, no fluff.
Premium
This is what you pay each month to have health insurance. Think of it like a subscription fee — you pay it whether or not you use the coverage.
Deductible
This is how much you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance starts helping with bills. Higher deductible = lower monthly premium, but more you’ll pay upfront when something happens.
Copay
A flat fee you pay for certain services. For example, you might pay $30 when you visit the doctor, and your insurance covers the rest.
Coinsurance
Once you hit your deductible, you and your insurance company share costs. For example, they might pay 80%, and you pay 20% until you hit your max.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
This is the most you’ll have to spend in a year before insurance covers 100% of your bills. It’s your financial safety net.
Why All of This Matters
The trick is balancing your monthly premium with what you could realistically pay if something goes wrong. Cheap plans might look good until you actually need care — then you’re hit with big out-of-pocket costs.
That’s why talking to someone who actually explains things can make a huge difference.
Still Confused? You're Not Alone.
This stuff is messy on purpose. At Wolfe Health, we break it down in plain English so you can feel confident choosing a plan that makes sense for you.
No pressure. No sales scripts. Just clarity.
Want help figuring it out? Let's talk.
