Do we need a broker or can we figure this out ourselves? Semi-complicated medical needs.

My husband lost his job last year and our COBRA runs out July 31. We have been on his (excellent) employer health insurance for over 10 years so we’ve never had to look for a plan on our own.

Stats: 31 year old female, 33 year old male. No children. My salary before taxes is $90,000. I am so confused by the AGI calculation- I do have student loans and we own 2 homes with mortgages (we are rapidly blowing through savings, it’s complicated. But the point is, money is tight but I doubt we qualify for any assistance)

My job, while full time, does not have health insurance. My husband might not get a job for awhile so we need to find a health plan. We will have a QLE when the COBRA expires July 31. We both take a lot of medication (mostly me) and am concerned with what would be the best type of plan for us. Should we get a broker to help us? I’m concerned with their incentives, i.e recommending a plan that has a higher commission.

I take 4 different medications for mental health and 2 for my PCOS- one of those being the ever so sought after and expensive Ozempic. With our current insurance I only pay $20/month and I’m TERRIFIED what I might have to pay. I’ve been on it for 3 years. I also have to see a PA every 3 months and an MD every 6 months to monitor me while on the medication, so I’m concerned about the cost associated with those specialists. Otherwise I see my PCP for my physical and that’s it.

My husband is slightly less needy, except he takes Advair for Asthma and we are concerned with being able to afford that. Otherwise he just sees his PCP once a year and maybe a couple times a year for random issues.

We use a lot of mental health services- we both go to therapy weekly. I have an NP for my psychiatric medication I have to see every 3 months as well.

I have no idea how to figure out the best plan for us. Should we just put all this info into the hands of a broker? If not, how do I know the best policy for us?

submitted by /u/daalice
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