Ep 65: Quitting Corporate? Let's Talk About Health Insurance!

Confused about health insurance after leaving corporate? You're not alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Zimmerman, an independent employee benefits broker with 15+ years of experience helping small businesses and individuals navigate the world of health insurance. Whether you're leaving a 9-to-5, starting a business, or just trying to make sense of the marketplace, this episode is your cheat sheet.

We cover:

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) explained in plain English

• How tax credits work and who actually qualifies

• Why you need a marketplace local broker, not an 800 number

• The difference between marketplace plans and employer group plans

• Missouri's Chamber Benefit Plan (and how to find something similar in your state)

• Prescriptions, networks, and the questions most people forget to ask

Rachel also shares the story behind her women's scuba diving club, Midwest Mermaids Scuba, and her brand-new podcast, Dive Like a Girl, launching June 1st.

This one is packed with real, actionable information that could change how you think about your coverage and maybe even give you the permission you need to take the leap.

How to find Rachel:

Instagram - @midwestmermaidsscuba / @thehealthinsurancelady

Websites - ⁠https://zimmermanbenefits.com/⁠ & ⁠https://midwestmermaids.com/

FAQs

1. What happens to your health insurance when you leave a corporate job?
The episode explains the main options available after leaving corporate, including ACA marketplace plans, COBRA, spouse coverage, and small business health insurance plans.

2. How do ACA tax credits actually work?
Rachel Zimmerman breaks down how marketplace subsidies are based on projected income and explains why many people qualify for more financial assistance than they realize.

3. Why should people use a local health insurance broker instead of an 800 number?
The conversation highlights how local brokers can help compare networks, prescriptions, doctors, and plan details while offering personalized support throughout the enrollment process.

4. What’s the difference between marketplace plans and employer group health plans?
The episode explains how employer plans and marketplace plans differ in pricing structures, networks, subsidies, flexibility, and coverage options.