Turning 65 brings a flood of Medicare decisions, confusing mailers, and important choices that can impact your healthcare for years to come. In this episode of Health Insurance Sherpa, Lisa Martin sits down with longtime Medicare advisor Mike Markham to break down the Medicare maze.

Together they explain the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, how Medicare Advantage compares to Medicare Supplements, what happens to your HSA when you enroll, common Medicare myths, enrollment deadlines, and why the decision you make at 65 can have lasting consequences.

Whether you’re approaching Medicare age, helping a parent navigate their options, or simply planning ahead, this episode provides the clarity and confidence you need to make informed healthcare decisions.

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

Lisa breaks down the confusing world of health insurance into simple, practical terms anyone can understand. Whether you're shopping for coverage on Healthcare.gov, reviewing your employer benefits, or simply trying to make better healthcare decisions, this episode provides the foundation you need.

You'll learn the five core insurance concepts that impact your healthcare costs—premiums, copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums—as well as essential ACA terminology, enrollment periods, provider networks, subsidies, and cost-sharing reductions.

Lisa also explains how formularies, HSAs, prior authorizations, COBRA coverage, and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) work, helping you become a more informed healthcare consumer. Packed with real-world examples and practical tips, this episode will help you understand not just what health insurance costs, but how to maximize the value of your coverage.

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

Are you taking full advantage of your Health Savings Account (HSA)? Whether you have coverage through your employer or an ACA Bronze plan, an HSA could be one of the most powerful financial tools available to you.

In this episode, Health Insurance Sherpa Lisa Martin sits down with Jonathan Fagan of Wilde Wealth to explore why financial advisors love HSAs and how individuals and families can use them to save money today while building a tax-advantaged nest egg for the future.

Jonathan breaks down the unique "triple tax advantage" of HSAs, explains 2026 contribution limits, and shares strategies for using your HSA as both a healthcare funding tool and a retirement planning asset.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

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

Welcome to the very first episode of Your Health Insurance Sherpa!

In this debut episode, Lisa Martin shares the personal journey that led her into the health insurance industry and the mission behind this podcast. What started as a career leap of faith more than 20 years ago became a calling to help individuals, families, and small business owners navigate one of the most confusing—and important—decisions they face.

Lisa is joined by her father, Bob Wernecke, founder of ECA Financial, who reflects on his 40+ years in the insurance industry and the lessons that shaped their family business. Together, they discuss how health insurance has evolved, why guidance matters more than ever, and the real-life stories that demonstrate the value of having the right coverage.

Whether you're uninsured, underinsured, self-employed, transitioning between jobs, or simply overwhelmed by your options, this episode is designed to give you confidence and clarity.

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

A sneak peek at what's ahead...

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