Your Benefits, Decoded

Practical guides for freelancers and HR teams who want to stop leaving money on the table.

May 10, 2026 • 8 min read

Preventive Care Covered by Insurance: What's Free in 2026 (And How to Actually Use It)

Your health plan covers 171 preventive services at $0 — no copay, no deductible. Most people use fewer than 5. Here's the full list and how to schedule everything before your next open enrollment.

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May 6, 2026 • 7 min read

Small Business Health Benefits Requirements: What You're Actually Required to Offer in 2026

Most small business owners don't know what they're legally required to offer — and confuse "required" with "required to stay competitive." Here's the plain-English breakdown.

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April 29, 2026 • 7 min read

HSA vs FSA: Which Is Better for Your Taxes and Healthcare Costs in 2026?

HSA and FSA both let you pay for healthcare with pre-tax dollars. But they work completely differently — and choosing wrong costs you thousands. Here's the definitive comparison.

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April 22, 2026 • 6 min read

COBRA Alternatives for Freelancers: 5 Better Options When You Leave Your Job

COBRA keeps your old plan but costs 3–4x what you were paying. Most freelancers have better options — here's how to find yours in 30 minutes.

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April 20, 2026 • 3 min read

5 Benefits Freelancers Forget to Use (And How Much It's Costing You)

Freelancers leave an average of $1,200/year in unused benefits. Here are the 5 most common — with exact dollar estimates.

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April 20, 2026 • 3 min read

The Freelancer's Guide to Maximizing Your Marketplace Health Plan

You picked a marketplace plan. Now actually use it. The freelancer's complete playbook for FSA, HSA, preventive care, and more.

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April 20, 2026 • 3 min read

Stride Health + NudgeWell: Pick the Right Plan, Then Actually Use It

Stride helps freelancers pick the right marketplace health plan. NudgeWell makes sure they actually use it. Here's how the two tools work together.

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April 15, 2026 • 5 min read

FSA Expiration Strategy 2026: How to Use Every Dollar Before It Disappears

The IRS let Americans forfeit $3 billion in FSA money last year. Here's the exact strategy to spend every dollar before your plan-year deadline — with a prioritized list of what to buy first.

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April 8, 2026 • 3 min read

The Hidden Cost of Unused Employee Benefits at Small Businesses

Every year, employees leave thousands of dollars in benefits on the table. At small businesses, the problem is even worse—and it's costing your company serious money.

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