# hioscar

> hioscar — health insurance explained in plain English. Plans, a blog, and a glossary for individuals, families, members, employers, brokers, and providers.

This site is published in English (root URLs) and Spanish (`/es/` prefix). The complete machine-readable index lives at https://www.hioscar.com/sitemap.xml.

## Key pages
- [Home](https://www.hioscar.com/)
- [Blog](https://www.hioscar.com/blog)
- [Glossary](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary)

## Blog posts
- [CMS and SBA rebrand ICHRA as CHOICE Arrangements: Here’s what you need to know](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/cms-sba-rebrand-ichra-choice-arrangements): CMS and SBA rebrand ICHRAs as CHOICE Arrangements to improve understanding, build awareness, and support wider adoption.
- [The new employer playbook: 5 questions to ask before adopting a CHOICE Arrangement](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/employer-playbook-questions-to-ask-before-adopting-ichra): Considering a CHOICE Arrangement? Here are 5 key questions employers should ask to balance rising health costs with employee choice.
- [3 times Oscar helped members navigate life’s challenges](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/3-times-oscar-helped-members-navigate-life-challenges): See how Oscar helps members navigate life’s unexpected health challenges through real stories of support and care.
- [Building healthcare around people: A conversation with Oscar’s Janet Liang](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/building-healthcare-around-people-interview-janet-liang): Oscar President Janet Liang shares how the insurer builds around member needs and makes healthcare more consumer-driven.
- [CHOICE adoption is moving beyond small employers](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/research-ichra-adoption-moves-beyond-small-employers-hra-council): New research shows that a flexible health insurance option called CHOICE (formerly ICHRA) is becoming a popular choice for all businesses.
- [Skip the search: How Oswell helps you navigate your health in seconds](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oswell-ai-assistant-things-to-try): Oswell, your 24/7 AI assistant in the Oscar app, provides quick, clear health answers.
- [The true cost of choosing the wrong health plan](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/true-cost-of-choosing-the-wrong-health-plan): Choosing the wrong health plan costs more than money. Learn how to look beyond premiums to find the right coverage.
- [9 reasons why your Oscar member account is the ultimate life hack for your health](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/mobile-app-and-member-account-overview): Unlock nine benefits of your Oscar member account. Manage claims, find doctors, and access virtual care on the go.
- [New research shows growing employer interest in CHOICE Arrangements](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/research-shows-growing-employer-interest-ichra): Employers are taking a closer look at a different way to help their people pay for healthcare.
- [The future of healthcare starts with the consumer: A conversation with Mark Bertolini](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/future-of-healthcare-conversation-mark-bertolini): A candid discussion on why the U.S. healthcare model is outdated, the promise of ICHRA, and the shift to consumer choice
- [Behind-the-scenes: How Oscar turned member obsession into an operating model](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-member-experience-operating-model): How Oscar uses continuous listening and data insights to personalize the member journey.
- [Understanding today’s healthcare costs: What to know for Open Enrollment](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/healthcare-costs-what-to-know-open-enrollment): Learn about what’s driving healthcare costs and how Oscar helps you get the most for your money.
- [Your step-by-step guide to preparing for and navigating Open Enrollment](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/preparing-for-navigating-open-enrollment): Navigate Open Enrollment with confidence. Use our 5-step guide to budget, compare plans, and choose the right coverage.
- [7 facts early retirees should know about health coverage](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/7-facts-early-retirees-health-coverage): Retiring early? Discover 7 facts to help you choose the right health coverage and manage costs before Medicare at 65.
- [3 pro tips from our OGs: How to get the most from your Oscar health plan](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/health-plan-pro-tips): See how our longest-tenured members maximize their Oscar plan for a seamless health care experience.
- [Take the lead on your health with Oscar: Mastering proactive and preventive care](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/take-the-lead-on-your-health-proactive-preventive-care): Discover how preventive care such as annual wellness exams and targeted screenings help you stay ahead.
- [Modernizing benefits: How ICHRA brings budget predictability and choice to your organization](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/ichra-budget-predictability-choice-employers): Learn how ICHRA is transforming employee benefits by offering employers budget predictability and employees personalized healthcare choice.…
- [Covered doesn’t always mean free: Here’s what “covered benefit” really means](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/coverage-101): Does "covered" always mean free? Learn the truth about health insurance coverage, including how deductibles work.
- [Your guide to picking a health plan in 2026](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/figma-styling-audit): Premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum work together to show a plan's cost in the best, average, and worst-case scenarios. Understa…
- [Navigating women’s health: A guide to screenings and beyond](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/womenshealthguide): Choose a go-to doctor that fits your life and learn what to do within your first 30 days of Oscar coverage.
- [Healthcare Lingo: The primary care provider, translated](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/how-to-understand-primarycare): Choose a go-to doctor that fits your life and learn what to do within your first 30 days of Oscar coverage.
- [Listen to your heart: Everything you need to know about blood pressure](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/tips-for-managing-blood-pressure): Learn how staying in-network helps you get the best prices, skip surprise bills, and maximize your Oscar benefits.
- [Prescriptions, simplified: how Oscar is building the infrastructure for a frictionless pharmacy experience](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/transparent-pharmacy-costs-tool): Providing a transparent pharmacy experience with personalized, real-time cost information for members.
- [Simple ways to save money with your Oscar plan](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/ways-to-save): Discover how your Oscar plan helps you save money with $0 virtual visits, $3 prescriptions, and other rewards.
- [In-Network 101: A simple guide to finding the best price and skipping surprise bills](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/network-101-save-on-care): Learn how staying in-network helps you get the best prices, skip surprise bills, and make the most of your benefits.
- [Claims 101: Your guide to understanding how you pay for care](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/claims-101-your-guide-to-understanding-how-you-pay-for-care): Learn how to decode your Explanation of Benefits and track your spending with this simple guide.
- [Reflecting on one year of Oscar Community Resources: bridging the gap in member care](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/reflecting-on-one-year-of-oscar-community-resources): With the platform Oscar connects members with the local resources they need to thrive outside of the doctor's office.
- [From student to patient: Nicole’s Oscar story](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/from-student-to-patient-nicoles-oscar-story): Practice became personal when Nicole's own scan led to a diagnosis. With her insurance's help, she focused on healing.
- [Introducing Oswell: a health AI agent for Oscar members](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/introducing-oswell): With Oswell, we’re building a personalized AI frontdoor to healthcare.
- [Finding Support in a Fragmented System: Julianne’s Oscar Story](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/finding-support-in-a-fragmented-system-juliannes-oscar-story): She didn't just need a doctor, she needed someone to see the whole picture.
- [Unlock your best health (and some cool perks) with Oscar Unlocks](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/unlock-your-best-health-and-some-cool-perks-with-oscar-unlocks): With Oscar Unlocks, you unlock exclusive rewards, badges, and VIP access to the best of Oscar as you take actions.
- [The gold seal of virtual care: why Oscar's NCQA accreditation is a milestone for our member experience](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-medical-group-ncqa-accreditation): The award proves that Oscar’s virtual care meets the highest standards for clinical quality, security, and safety.
- [When health insurance becomes poetry: Scott's Oscar Story](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/when-health-insurance-becomes-poetry-scott-ravens-oscar-story): Poet and performer Scott Raven found an unexpected source of inspiration for his art: choosing a new health plan.
- [From hot flashes to whole health: How menopause care is evolving](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/from-hot-flashes-to-whole-health-how-menopause-care-is-evolving): A chat between Oscar and Elektra reveals a new way of thinking about menopause: more open, informed, and individual.
- [Oscar applauds the introduction of Federal ICHRA Legislative Package](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/ichra-legislative-package): New bills would make ICHRA more accessible, giving small businesses and workers greater choice and affordability.
- [Rethinking health benefits: How Oscar and Thatch help small businesses put people first](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/thatch-oscar-testimonial-video): Rethinking health benefits: How Oscar and Thatch help small businesses put people first
- [Inside Oscar’s first high school immersion program: students reimagine provider search with AI](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/inside-oscars-first-high-school-immersion-program-students-reimagine): Through hands-on mentorship and workshops, four high schoolers got a front-row seat to the future of health tech.
- [Introducing Oscar Community Resources: Connecting Members to support beyond medical care](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-community-resources-announcement): By linking members to local programs, Oscar is working to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.
- [Meet Oscar Health’s 2025 Culturally Competent Care grantees](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-2025-culturally-competent-care-grantees): The winners of our 2025 grant stood out for their deep focus on the critical intersection of our focus areas.
- [Educational Resources to Inform Your OE26 Approach](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/educational-resources-to-inform-your-oe26-approach): This rule primarily focuses on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within the individual market
- [From the grocery store to the doctor’s office: Hy-Vee and Oscar partner to redefine healthcare](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-hy-vee-announcement): The new partnership delivers no-cost care, local access, and everyday wellness perks.
- [Oscar launches Superagent: Powering faster, smarter answers to health insurance questions](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/superagent-announcement): Superagent can understand member questions, search internal sources, and respond with speed and confidence.
- [A new era for consumer choice: Oscar’s CEO lays out his vision for the individual insurance market](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/wplive-a-new-era-for-consumer-choice): As healthcare costs rise and consumers seek more choice, the individual market offers a path forward to insure America.
- [The individual market is the future of health insurance: Takeaways from the Axios Future of Health Summit](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/axios-future-of-health-summit-takeaways): Mark Bertolini argues that the individual market—not employer plans—is the key to lowering costs and expanding choice.
- [Oscar 1Q25 results: A strong start to the year](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/oscar-1q25-results): Oscar started 2025 strong, driven by top-line growth, bottom-line performance, and improvement across most key metrics.
- [How ICHRA helps small businesses reduce the rising cost of healthcare](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/small-business-big-savings-how-ichra-transforms-healthcare-costs-for-smbs): ICHRA empowers employees to make informed decisions about healthcare while freeing SMBs to focus on what they do best.
- [How Oscar is using cultural insights to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes in El Paso](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/ai-and-cultural-insight-help-oscar-serve-members-in-el-paso): Our El Paso event empowered Hispanic members with tools to navigate HMO plans, blending AI and cultural insight.
- [Which employers will thrive with ICHRA? A guide for brokers](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/which-employers-will-thrive-with-ichra-a-guide-for-brokers): In a complex benefits landscape, ICHRA is a powerful tool to deliver real value and build lasting client relationships.
- [WellDia: A more personalized, integrated approach to diabetes care for Oscar members](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/welldia-a-more-personalized-integrated-approach-to-diabetes-care-for-oscar): Diabetes affects nearly 10% of our members - so we are making it easier for them to manage their condition.
- [Live Chat: Real-time virtual care for Oscar members](https://www.hioscar.com/blog/live-chat-real-time-virtual-care-for-oscar-members): With Live Chat, we’re bridging asynchronous messaging and real-time responsiveness to improve the member experience.

## Glossary
- [1095-B Tax Form](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/1095-b)
- [Accumulator](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/accumulator)
- [Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/advance-premium-tax-credit)
- [Affordable Care Act (ACA)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/affordable-care-act)
- [Allowed amount](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/allowed-amount)
- [Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/annual-election-period)
- [Appeal](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance-appeal)
- [Balance billing](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/balance-billing)
- [Benefits](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance-benefits)
- [COBRA](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/cobra)
- [Catastrophic plan](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/catastrophic-plan)
- [Certificate of coverage](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/certificate-of-coverage)
- [Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/child-health-plus-chip)
- [CiOX](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/ciox)
- [Claims](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance-claims)
- [Coinsurance](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/coinsurance)
- [Connect for Health Colorado](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/connect-for-health-colorado)
- [Coordination of Benefits (COB)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/coordination-of-benefits)
- [Copayments (copays)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/copayments-copays)
- [Cost sharing](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/cost-sharing)
- [Coverage (service) area](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/coverage-service-area)
- [Covered California](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/covered-california)
- [Covered vs. covered-in-full vs. not covered](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/covered-vs-covered-in-full-vs-not-covered)
- [Deductible](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/deductible)
- [Dependents](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/dependents)
- [Diagnostic and advanced imaging services](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/diagnostic-advanced-imaging-services)
- [Durable medical equipment (DME)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/durable-medical-equipment-dme)
- [Effective date](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/effective-date)
- [Eligibility](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/eligibility)
- [Emergency](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/emergency)
- [Employee waivers](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/employee-waivers-health-insurance)
- [Essential health benefits](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/essential-health-benefits)
- [Exchange](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/exchange)
- [Excluded services](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/excluded-services)
- [Exempt vs. non-exempt employees](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/exempt-vs-non-exempt-employees)
- [Explanation of benefits (EOB)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/explanation-of-benefits-eob)
- [Flexible spending account (FSA)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/flexible-spending-account-fsa)
- [Formulary](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/formulary)
- [Full-time equivalent employees (FTE)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/full-time-equivalent-employees-fte)
- [Grace period](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/grace-period)
- [Guaranteed renewal](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/guaranteed-renewal)
- [HIPAA authorization](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/hipaa-authorization)
- [HMO / PPO / EPO / POS](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/hmo-ppo-epo)
- [Health Insurance](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance)
- [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance-portability-and-accountability-act-hipaa)
- [Health insurance premium](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-insurance-premium)
- [Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra)
- [Health savings account (HSA)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa)
- [HealthCare.gov](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/healthcare-gov)
- [High deductible health plan (HDHP)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/hdhp)
- [Hospice care](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/hospice-care)
- [Immunizations](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/immunizations)
- [Individual vs. group health insurance plans](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/individual-vs-group-health-insurance-plans)
- [Initial Enrollment Period](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/initial-enrollment-period)
- [Insurance broker](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/insurance-broker)
- [Large group](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/large-group-health-insurance)
- [Level funding](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/level-funding)
- [Long-term care](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/long-term-care)
- [Marketplace](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/marketplace)
- [Medicaid](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/medicaid)
- [Medically necessary](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/medically-necessary)
- [Medicare](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/medicare)
- [Medicare Advantage](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/medicare-advantage)
- [Metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/metal-tiers)
- [Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/modified-adjusted-gross-income)
- [Negotiated rate](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/negotiated-rate)
- [Network](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/network)
- [New York State of Health](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/new-york-state-of-health)
- [Obamacare](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/obamacare)
- [Open Enrollment](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/open-enrollment)
- [Out-of-pocket max](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/out-of-pocket-max)
- [Outpatient vs. inpatient hospital care](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/outpatient-vs-inpatient-hospital-care)
- [Participation requirement](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/participation-requirement)
- [Payroll provider](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/payroll-provider)
- [Pre-authorization (prior authorization)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/prior-authorization-preauthorization)
- [Pre-existing condition](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/pre-existing-condition)
- [Premium tax credits](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/premium-tax-credits)
- [Prescription drugs](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/prescription-drugs)
- [Preventive vs. diagnostic care](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/preventive-vs-diagnostic-care)
- [Primary Care Provider (PCP) vs. Specialist](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/pcp-vs-specialist)
- [Professional Employer Organization (PEO)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/professional-employer-organization-peo)
- [Protected Health Information (PHI)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/protected-health-information-phi)
- [Provider ](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/provider)
- [Qualifying life event](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/qualifying-life-event)
- [Reconstructive surgery](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/reconstructive-surgery)
- [Referral](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/referral-specialists)
- [Rehabilitation services](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/rehabilitation-services)
- [Reinstatement](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/reinstatement)
- [Renewal](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/renewal)
- [Schedule of Benefits (SOB)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/schedule-of-benefits)
- [Skilled nursing](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/skilled-nursing)
- [Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/small-business-health-options-program-shop)
- [Small group](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/small-group-health-insurance)
- [Special Enrollment](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/special-enrollment)
- [Subsidies](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/subsidies)
- [Telemedicine](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/telemedicine)
- [Urgent care](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/urgent-care)
- [Vaccines](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/vaccines)
- [Waiting period](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/waiting-period-group-health-insurance)
- [Well-baby and well-child visits](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/well-baby-and-well-child-visits)
- [Well-woman exam](https://www.hioscar.com/glossary/well-woman-exam)