Navigating Health Care Costs: Tips for Overcoming Financial Challenges

From losing coverage to affording procedures, expert advice on solving medical money problems

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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This article provides guidance for individuals facing health care-related financial difficulties, such as losing employer-sponsored insurance coverage or struggling to afford necessary medical procedures. It outlines steps to take, including exploring options like spouse's insurance, COBRA continuation coverage, and the ACA Marketplace, as well as strategies for appealing insurance denials and accessing government assistance programs.

Why it matters

With rising health care costs and job instability, many Americans are facing tough choices when it comes to affording medical care. This story offers practical solutions to help people overcome financial barriers and ensure they can get the care they need.

The details

The article covers two main scenarios: losing employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and needing to pay for a medical procedure that insurance won't fully cover. For the first issue, it advises exploring options like enrolling in a spouse's plan, continuing coverage through COBRA, or securing individual coverage through the ACA Marketplace. For the second, it recommends appealing insurance denials, utilizing underutilized government assistance programs like Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, and seeking guidance from nonprofits that can help craft appeals and access financial aid.

  • In 2023, people on Medicare Advantage plans succeeded in reversing prior authorization denials 82% of the time.
  • In 2022, traditional Medicare users got a reversal in 29% of cases when appealing coverage denials.
  • In 2023, healthcare.gov insurance plan buyers saw a decision change in 44% of appeals.

The players

Vincent Birardi

Senior wealth adviser at Halbert Hargrove in Long Beach, California.

Juliette Cubanski

Deputy director of KFF's Program on Medicare Policy.

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What they’re saying

“Coverage varies by employer, but it often runs to the end of the month, though it may end immediately or last longer.”

— Vincent Birardi, Senior wealth adviser

“The government also offers several financial-assistance programs for Medicare enrollees that are underutilized.”

— Juliette Cubanski, Deputy director of KFF's Program on Medicare Policy

The takeaway

This article provides a comprehensive guide for navigating the complex and often daunting world of health care finances, offering practical solutions and resources to help individuals overcome financial barriers and ensure they can access the medical care they need.