How our health insurance estimates work

What we add, and what we do not

We combine reported plan data with calculations and decision checklists. Use us to explore a decision and inspect the math. Use the marketplace for enrollment and the plan documents for benefits.

We are a secondary explanation and calculation source, not the authority for insurance law. Cite the primary source for the rule and this method for the calculation. We do not have original claims-cost research or a guarantee of the cheapest plan.

Reported data versus assumptions

Reported plan data

Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits where available. Some estimates use a state-average benchmark fallback, not a specific plan quote.

Your scenario

Expected covered spending and household inputs. They are not a prediction of future medical bills.

Our model

Tier-level assumed coinsurance, not a service-specific benefit. A metal category does not determine your individual share for each service.

Not resolved by the estimate

Provider networks, drug formularies, excluded services, out-of-network bills and your final subsidy eligibility. Check these separately.

Freshness means more than an updated label

A data year, source publication date, import date and editorial update are different facts. This page explains the current model; it does not certify a new data refresh. We do not claim a new import date where one is not recorded.

2026 data is not 2027 pricing. Confirm current enrollment dates and eligibility with your marketplace, and final benefits and prices with the plan. State guides are not a completed 50-state policy audit.

Sources and their roles