Houtz Insurance LLC

02/05/2026

What Is the No Surprises Act?

Ever opened a medical bill and thought, “Wait, what is this for?” That’s exactly what the No Surprises Act was created to prevent.

This federal law protects patients from unexpected medical bills when they don’t have the ability to choose their care provider, such as during emergencies or when an out-of-network doctor treats you at an in-network facility.

Here’s what the Act does:
✅ Prevents “balance billing” for many emergency and non-emergency services
✅ Ensures your insurance pays as if care were in-network
✅ Requires clear, upfront communication about costs and coverage

If you believe you’ve received a surprise bill, you can request a No Surprises Bill Review, a process that helps determine whether the bill is protected under the Act and what you actually owe.

The bottom line: you shouldn’t have to worry about hidden costs when getting care you didn’t choose.

If you ever get a bill that doesn’t look right, reach out. We can help you understand your rights and next steps under the No Surprises Act.

Source: https://www.pa.gov/services/insurance/request-a-review-of-an-unexpected-medical-bill-no-surprises-act

02/03/2026

✨ Our Group Insurance Solutions ✨

Your employees are the heart of your business. Protecting their health, security, and future is key to keeping your team strong and supported. Here’s how we help:

💙 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical coverage that gives employees and their families access to quality care when they need it most.

🦷👓 Dental & Vision Insurance
Plans that promote overall wellness through routine and specialized care for healthier smiles and sharper vision.

❤️ Life Insurance
Financial protection that helps care for your employees’ loved ones in the face of life’s unexpected moments.

💪 Disability Insurance
Short- and long-term coverage that ensures employees have income protection during illness or injury.

💼 Retirement Plans
Flexible solutions that empower your team to plan confidently for their future.

Strong benefits build stronger businesses. Let’s create a package that supports your team and fits your goals.

01/29/2026

Let’s Talk Offering Your Employees Benefits 💬

Employee benefits aren’t just a line item on your budget. They’re one of the most powerful tools you have to attract, support, and retain great people.

Whether it’s health coverage, dental and vision care, life insurance, or wellness programs, the right benefits package shows your team that you value them beyond the paycheck. And when employees feel cared for, everyone wins. Productivity rises, turnover drops, and your workplace culture thrives.

If you’re ready to take a fresh look at your benefits strategy or want to make sure your current plan is still competitive, let’s talk. Together, we can build a program that works for your business and your people.

https://www.houtzinsurancellc.com/book-online?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=org&utm_campaign=January&utm_content=Employee+Benefits+Top+Priorities

01/27/2026

New York-based performer Cynthia Freeman, 61, has been trying to figure out how to keep the Affordable Care Act health plan that she and her husband depend on.

“If we didn’t have health issues, I’d just go back to where I was in my 40s and not have health insurance,” she said, “but we’re not in that position now.”

Freeman and her husband, Brad Lawrence, are freelancers who work in storytelling and podcasting.

In October, Lawrence, 52, got very sick, very fast.

“I knew I was in trouble,” he said. “I went into the emergency room, and I walked over to the desk, and I said, ‘Hi, I’ve gained 25 pounds in five days and I’m having trouble breathing and my chest hurts.’ And they stopped blinking.”

Doctors diagnosed him with kidney disease, and he was hospitalized for four days.

Now Lawrence has to take medication with an average cost without insurance of $760 a month.

In January, the cost of the couple’s current “silver” plan rose nearly 75%, to $801 a month.

To bring in extra cash, Freeman has picked up a part-time bartending gig.

Millions of middle-class Americans who have ACA health plans are facing soaring premium payments in 2026, without help from the enhanced subsidies that Congress failed to renew. Some are contemplating big life changes to deal with new rates that kicked in on Jan. 1.

Read more at

Millions of middle-class Americans who have Affordable Care Act marketplace plans are facing soaring premium payments in 2026. Some people are contemplating big life changes to deal with new rates that kicked in on Jan. 1.

01/22/2026

Health Coverage for the Self-Employed

If you’re self-employed, whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, independent contractor, or business owner without employees, you can get flexible, high-quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

When you apply, you’ll find out if you qualify for premium tax credits or other savings that can lower your monthly costs. Depending on your income and household size, you may also qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.

The Marketplace offers multiple plan levels, so you can pick what fits your needs from lower-premium, high-deductible options to plans with more coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs.

Running your own business is unpredictable. Your health coverage doesn’t have to be. Let’s make sure you’re protected while you build your dream.

Learn more at https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed/ or reach out to me if you have questions!

If you’re self-employed with no employees you’re not considered an employer. You can use the Health Insurance Marketplace® to find health coverage for you.

01/20/2026

📄 Tax Season Reminder for Marketplace Enrollees

If anyone in your household had a Marketplace health plan in 2025, keep an eye out for Form 1095-A. You should receive it by mid-February, either by mail or in your Marketplace account (often available as early as mid-January).

Here’s why it matters:
✅ It includes details about your Marketplace coverage, premiums, and any premium tax credits used.
✅ You’ll need it to complete Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, when filing your taxes.
✅ Don’t file your taxes until you have your accurate 1095-A — it’s essential for reconciling your tax credit.

If you have any questions, I’m here for you!

01/15/2026

Yes, I know I’ve said it before… but they’ve pushed it back again! ⏰

The Open Enrollment deadline has been extended to January 31st!

If you still need health coverage for 2026, there’s extra time — but don’t wait too long. Through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, individuals and families can find quality coverage (and many still qualify for financial savings).

Plans include comprehensive benefits like hospital care, prescriptions, maternity and mental health services, and preventive care — all while protecting you from high medical costs.

Open Enrollment is your chance to make sure you’re covered and secure for the year ahead. Need help reviewing your options or finding a plan that fits your budget? I’ve got you covered.

01/12/2026

When a large employer discovered widespread claim denials impacting more than 450 employees, our team got to work. The issue occured when a provider misclassified every wellness visit as a treatment visit, creating unnecessary bills and confusion.

We coordinated directly with the provider, reprocessed over 1,000 claims, and worked with the Department of Insurance to fast-track resolutions. Every employee’s claims were corrected, and balances brought to zero.

The result: thousands saved in out-of-pocket costs for employees and renewed confidence in the company’s health plan.

This is what proactive benefits management looks like. It’s about protecting people and strengthening trust.

01/08/2026

More than 153,000 children in Pennsylvania are uninsured — the highest number in a decade — as rising costs, policy changes, and expiring federal supports make it harder for families to keep coverage.

That’s about 5% of children in the commonwealth.

Source: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12/pennsylvania-uninsured-children-health-insurance-federal-cuts-health/

01/05/2026

Small businesses have been feeling the ripple effects of reduced federal health insurance tax credits and many are wondering what comes next.

When those enhanced marketplace subsidies were scaled back, costs didn’t go away — they shifted. Employees faced higher premiums, and small business owners were left carrying more of the burden.

There’s good news, though. Chambers of commerce and nonprofit associations can play a powerful role in helping small businesses regain stability through association-based health strategies, collaborative plans that pool businesses together to create buying power, reduce costs, and bring predictability back to benefits.

These programs help small businesses move away from the uncertainty of the marketplace and toward long-term, sustainable solutions.

DM me if you’re interested in learning more about this!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Wishing you a healthy, happy, and (hopefully) health-insurance-covered 2026!

12/29/2025

For the millions of Americans who buy Affordable Care Act insurance, there's still time left to enroll for 2026. But premium increases and the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies have led to larger-than-expected costs.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/12/21/nx-s1-5649902/aca-health-plans-costs-alternatives

Without a fix from Congress, costs for many people who buy health care on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have gone up. Here's what's to know about cheaper choices — and pitfalls to be aware of.