Open enrollment isn't just a deadline - it's your yearly chance to make sure your health coverage is actually working for you. In this episode, Lisa walks through five simple steps that can help you save money and avoid costly surprises, from double-checking your income to making sure your doctor is still in network. Plus, an Arizona-specific look at reduced or even free insulin costs and chronic condition coverage. Whether you're renewing or shopping for the first time, this episode will help you head into open enrollment feeling confident, informed, and ready to make the most of it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Medicare's 2027 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. This is your window each year to review and change your Medicare coverage for 2027. 

In this episode of Health Insurance Sherpa, Lisa Martin talks with Medicare Mike about what AEP is, what's changing with Part D drug plans next year (a higher deductible, a new out-of-pocket max, and shifting insurer subsidies), and what to actually do before the window closes - including what to look for in your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).       

We're in this together, one conversation at a time. 

Questions? Reach Lisa at 602-852-5215 or [email protected], and Mike at (480) 229-3715 or [email protected].

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Open Enrollment 2027 is coming, and your Sherpa has the map. In this episode, Lisa breaks down exactly what you need to close out 2026 right and walk into 2027 prepared: key dates, new Marketplace verification steps, and why some clients may need to actively re-enroll this year instead of coverage renewing automatically. Whether you're a returning client or applying for the first time, you'll get a clear checklist and a clear plan — because with the right guide, Open Enrollment doesn't have to be complicated. This is the first in a series of Open Enrollment episodes, so stay tuned as more timely updates become available. We'll navigate this together, one conversation at a time!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone tells you short-term health insurance is "cheap coverage." Almost no one tells you what that price actually buys — or what it quietly leaves out.          

In this episode, I sit down with Kim Anderson of Black Gould / Warner Pacific to pull back the curtain on short-term plans: what they really cover, where the gaps hide, and why 2026's ACA premium shock has more people asking about them than ever. We get into the pre-existing condition loophole most people don't find out about until they file a claim, and the handful of situations where a short-term plan genuinely makes sense — versus the ones where it could leave you exposed.                 

If you've ever wondered whether "cheaper" health insurance is actually a good deal...this episode is for you.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life changes fast—and your health insurance options may change too. In this episode, Lisa breaks down qualifying life events, Special Enrollment Periods, and the key steps to take after a marriage, new baby, move, job change, or loss of coverage.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Health Insurance Sherpa, Lisa Martin sits down with Chris Keel of Emerson Rogers to talk about group health insurance for Arizona’s small businesses—even businesses with just two employees enrolling.     Lisa and Chris walk through two options: traditional fully insured plans and alternative-funding plans. They’ll discuss eligibility, employer contributions, medical underwriting, possible savings, and potential refunds when claims are lower than expected.      

They’ll also explain a valuable Arizona tax credit that may help eligible businesses reduce the cost of a new group health plan. If you own a small business or work with small-business owners, this conversation will help you understand what questions to ask and where to begin. Keep in mind that eligibility can vary by business structure, employee classification, and carrier guidelines.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should you delay Medicare when you’re still on an employer plan? In this episode, “Medicare Mike” (Mike Markham) explains how employer size—especially whether your workplace has fewer than 20 employees—can change who pays first, your risk for late enrollment penalties, and the best path for timing your Medicare enrollment.          

You’ll also hear a practical checklist of questions to ask before age 65, including how your group plan affects Part B decisions, HSA contributions, family coverage, deductibles/out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, and IRMAA considerations—so you can make a confident, well-timed move.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lisa Martin and guest Kim Anderson break down Arizona’s 2026 ACA specialty plans for people living with diabetes, COPD, and other ongoing health needs. They’ll explain how some condition-focused plans may include free or lower-cost care for key services and help listeners compare options with confidence.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get an exclusive insider look at the Arizona individual health insurance marketplace from a broker's perspective.  Lisa is joined by her long-time general agent, Kim Anderson of Black, Gould & Associates. Together, they break down all seven insurance carriers offering Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in Arizona for the current 2026 enrollment year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Choosing a health plan isn’t just about the premium - it’s about the network. In this episode, Lisa Martin breaks down how ACA networks work for 2026, with a special focus on Arizona where all marketplace plans are HMOs. You’ll learn why simply recognizing a big insurance company name isn’t enough, how to properly verify if your doctors are in-network, and the exact question you should be asking every provider to avoid unexpected bills. 

Lisa also walks through key Arizona updates for 2026, including the shift to all HMO plans, differences between major carrier networks, and what to watch for with referrals, medications, and specialist access. 

Whether you’re in Arizona or anywhere in the U.S., this episode will help you choose smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident using your coverage. Have questions or need help comparing plans? 

Visit the provider search tools in the show notes or reach out directly at [email protected]. 

Subscribe, share and like, for more clear, practical health insurance guidance from your Health Insurance Sherpa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.