Houtz Insurance LLC

03/02/2026

💰 Pennsylvania workers are paying more than ever for employer-sponsored health insurance and it’s hitting both employees and small businesses hard.

A new report from The Commonwealth Fund found that the average Pennsylvanian with single coverage spent more than $4,000 on premiums and deductibles in 2024, nearly 10% of their annual income. For families, costs climbed past $10,000 a year.

When one out of every ten dollars goes to health care, tough choices follow, from skipping doctor visits to delaying prescriptions.

As costs rise, more employers are exploring creative solutions like association-based health strategies, ICHRA options, and customized group plans to stay competitive and keep coverage affordable.

At Houtz Insurance, we help businesses find those smarter paths, balancing affordability, quality, and care. If these rising costs are impacting your team, let’s talk about ways to protect your people and your bottom line. 💬

📄 Read more from WHYY: https://whyy.org/articles/employer-sponsored-health-insurance-costs-pennsylvania/

Some Pennsylvania workers spend about one in every $10 on employer-sponsored health insurance, according to The Commonwealth Fund.

02/26/2026

Houtz Insurance is proud to be a sponsor of the B2B Expo Philly!

This event is all about connection, collaboration, and community, three things we believe every small business needs to thrive.

📅 March 10, 2026
📍 Radnor Country Club
🕐 1–5 PM | Happy Hour 5–7 PM

If you’re a local entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup ready to grow your network and strengthen your strategy, this is the place to be.

We can’t wait to connect with other business leaders, share ideas, and support the vibrant local business community that keeps our region strong. 💪

👉 Learn more or register at b2bexpophilly.com

02/23/2026

🩺 Denied Coverage? Don’t Panic!

If your health insurance company refuses to pay for care or a prescription, it’s called a denial of coverage but that doesn’t mean it’s the final word. Many people who appeal win their case and get their coverage approved (up to 60% of the time)! 🙌

Here’s what to do if it happens to you:

1️⃣ Understand the reason for denial. It could be a billing error, missing pre-authorization, or a service your plan doesn’t list as covered.

2️⃣ Know your plan’s appeals process. Your denial letter should include instructions. Review them carefully and request all decisions in writing.

3️⃣ Work with your healthcare team. Ask your provider for a letter explaining why the service is medically necessary.

4️⃣ Stay organized and meet deadlines. Keep copies of everything and track names, dates, and notes from every conversation.

5️⃣ Be patient and persistent. You might need to go through multiple levels of appeal, but it’s often worth it.

02/19/2026

Every year, once open enrollment wraps up, employees breathe a sigh of relief…until the questions start rolling in. 🤔

“I thought I understood everything… but now I’m not so sure.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Understanding benefits doesn’t end when enrollment does. Many employees don’t realize how their plan actually works until they need to use it. That confusion often leads to frustration and stress.

We believe enrollment isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point. We help employers and employees year-round by reviewing coverage, explaining benefits in plain language, catching errors early, and answering questions before they turn into headaches.

If you or your team have questions after enrollment, don’t wait until next year to figure it out. Let’s bring clarity to your coverage.

02/17/2026

Higher deductibles might look good on paper (lower premiums always sound appealing) but for many Americans, they create a real barrier to care. When out-of-pocket costs climb too high, people often delay or skip the care they need altogether.

Affordable coverage isn’t just about the monthly premium. It’s about accessibility and usability. A plan only works when people can actually use it.

The Trump administration proposed on Monday new Obamacare rules for 2027, allowing insurers to offer new kinds of long-term catastrophic policies, plans with low premiums but significantly higher out-of-pocket costs that would be used to cover major medical expenses.

02/13/2026

❤️ Show some love to your employees this Valentine’s Day!

From health to happiness, the right coverage says “you matter” all year long. 💌

02/10/2026

Thank you so much, Matthew! 🌟 It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and the Positive Wiring team. I’m so glad the benefits package has helped support your growth and success. That’s exactly what we love to see! Grateful for your trust and partnership these past two years (and looking forward to many more!).

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.