Free healthcare resources for patients & families
Covers all 50 states, DC, and US territories. National resources are free for everyone; state-specific Medicaid and health-department contacts are included with membership.
Free healthcare resources
Clear answers. Practical tools. No healthcare jargon. Everything below is free to use and points you toward official sources when you need them.
Medical bills & claims
- Medical bill summarizerPlain-English explanation of a bill or EOB.
- Medical code lookupWhat CPT, HCPCS, and revenue codes mean.
- Claims & denialsWhy claims get denied and what to do next.
- AppealsStep-by-step appeal guidance and letter builder.
- Billing helpItemized bills, errors, and payment options.
- Medical bill advocateFree line-by-line bill audits and advocacy.
Insurance
Medicare & seniors
Veterans & military
Families
Nationwide — works in all 50 states & US territories
Find in-network primary care, urgent care, and physicians.
State-specific resources
Select your state or territory above to see Medicaid, health department, and marketplace links for your area.
Don't shop on premium alone — shop on network access
The cheapest premium often hides a narrow network or a punishing drug formulary. Here's how to ask the right questions before you enroll.
List your doctors and hospitals first
Write down every clinician, hospital system, and pharmacy you actually use. Ask the counselor or broker to check each one against the plan's in-network directory — not just the plan's marketing page.
List your medications and ask about the formulary tier
Same plan, same drug can be Tier 1 or Tier 4 depending on the insurer. Ask: 'Is each of my drugs on the formulary, and what tier?' A cheap premium with a Tier 4 specialty drug can cost more than a richer plan.
Ask for the plan's network breadth, not just the name
Networks labeled HMO, EPO, or 'narrow/select' often exclude major hospital systems. Ask: 'Is this a broad, standard, or narrow network?' and 'Which local hospital systems are in-network?'
Confirm specialists and referrals
If you see a cardiologist, oncologist, or mental-health provider, confirm they're in-network AND accepting new patients under that plan. Ask if a referral from primary care is required.
Use SHIP / SHIBA before you call a broker
State counselors (SHIBA in WA, HICAP in CA, HIICAP in NY) are free and don't earn commissions. Brokers get paid by insurers — they may steer you toward plans that pay them more.
Get the network promise in writing
Before enrolling, request written confirmation that your specific providers are in-network for the plan year. Networks can change — a screenshot of the directory with today's date protects you.
Educational guidance only. For a personalized review, contact your state's SHIP office (free) or a licensed patient advocate.