Houtz Insurance LLC

06/18/2026

Health insurance coverage in the U.S. may be holding steady on paper, but the bigger story is what could happen next.

According to the AP, the number of uninsured Americans grew by about 800,000 in 2025, including 300,000 children. And with subsidy changes and Medicaid shifts ahead, even more people could lose coverage in the coming year.

That matters because when people lose access to affordable health insurance, they often delay care, skip treatment, or take on financial stress they shouldn’t have to carry alone.

This is exactly why clear guidance and proactive planning matter so much right now for both individuals and employers.

If you’ve been wondering how changes in the market could affect your coverage or your team, now is a good time to start that conversation.

https://apnews.com/article/uninsured-americans-healthcare-trump-cdc-nchs-40253e8ebb89cf10fa32e4778b7c2722

The proportion of Americans without health insurance held steady at around 8% of the population in 2025, according to new findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

06/16/2026

Guess who got to come to networking with mom today!
Travis is having his first taste of Philly starting at The Pyramid Club then moving over to NJ for JerseyMan/PhillyMan Legacy event.

06/15/2026

If you only hear from your broker once a year… that’s a problem.

Your benefits strategy shouldn’t start three months before renewal and disappear the rest of the year.

Good brokers do more than send renewal numbers. They help you stay ahead of increases, review options early, answer questions, and make sure your plan still fits your business as things change.

Because when you wait until the last minute, you usually end up with fewer choices and more stress.

If you’re only hearing from your broker once a year, it may be time for a better conversation.

Video by Video City Productions

06/14/2026

How are health insurance premiums set?

A lot of people assume insurance companies can price plans however they want, but that’s not actually the case. By law, your monthly health insurance premium can be based on 5 main factors:

1️⃣ Age: In general, premiums increase as you get older.

2️⃣ Location: Where you live matters. Local regulations, provider costs, and market competition can all affect pricing.

3️⃣ To***co use: To***co users may be charged up to 50% more than non-tobacco users.

4️⃣ Who is covered: A plan covering just you will usually cost less than one covering a spouse and/or dependents.

5️⃣ Plan category: Pennie offers Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum (in some areas), and Catastrophic plans.

Bronze = lower monthly premium, higher out-of-pocket costs
Gold/Platinum = higher monthly premium, lower out-of-pocket costs when you get care

One important thing to know: all plans through Pennie cover the same essential health benefits. The difference is usually how the costs are shared, not whether you have coverage at all.

That’s why choosing a plan isn’t just about finding the cheapest premium. It’s about finding the right balance between monthly cost and what you may need to use.

If you’ve ever looked at plan options and thought, “why is this one more expensive?” you’re not alone. Let’s talk through it.

06/12/2026

⚡ Electricians keep everything running and they deserve benefits that help protect them, too.

Electrical work is skilled, demanding, and high-responsibility. From job sites and service calls to long hours and physical strain, electricians do work that requires focus, precision, and trust.

And in a field where skilled workers are hard to find, benefits can make a real difference.

When your team is doing essential work every day, they should know someone is looking out for them too.

If you own or manage an electrical business, let’s talk about benefits that make sense for your team and your budget.

06/04/2026

Benefits are about retention, not just coverage.

If employees can leave for 50 cents more somewhere else, the issue usually isn’t just pay — it’s whether they feel supported where they are.

The right benefits package can help businesses:
✅ Improve retention
✅ Reduce turnover
✅ Show employees they’re valued
✅ Build stronger long-term loyalty

Because keeping good people is almost always more affordable than replacing them.

06/02/2026

“Why can’t you just give me a simple price for employee benefits?”

It’s one of the most common questions I get from business owners and it’s a fair one.

The short answer? Because employee benefits pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For small group health plans, cost is often based on factors like:
🔹 Employee demographics
🔹 Age
🔹 Gender
🔹 Location
🔹 The type of coverage you want to offer

That’s why there isn’t one flat number I can give before we talk through the details.

I know that can feel frustrating, especially when you’re trying to budget and make smart decisions for your team. But the goal isn’t to throw out a random number; it’s to give you accurate options that actually fit your business.

That’s where the conversation matters.

If you’ve been wondering what benefits could realistically look like for your team, let’s talk through it. No pressure. Just clear answers and real options.

Video by Video City Productions

05/28/2026

❄️ HVAC teams keep homes and businesses running and they deserve support that works just as hard.

HVAC work is skilled, physical, and essential. It takes long days, technical knowledge, and a team that can handle high-demand seasons without burning out.

The right benefits package can help HVAC companies:
✅ Support technicians in a physically demanding field
✅ Improve retention of skilled workers
✅ Offer added protection through disability or supplemental benefits
✅ Strengthen loyalty in a competitive hiring market

Good technicians are valuable. Keeping them starts with showing them they matter.

If you own or manage an HVAC company, let’s talk about benefits that support your team and your bottom line.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day is more than the start of summer.

It is a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Today, we honor their sacrifice and hold gratitude for the freedom they helped protect.

Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

- Cheryl from Houtz Insurance

05/21/2026

If health insurance feels confusing, frustrating, or just plain overwhelming… you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a business owner trying to offer the right benefits, or an individual trying to make sense of your coverage, sometimes what you really need is a real conversation with someone who will actually listen.

That’s what I’m here for.

No pressure. No judgment. Just honest guidance, clear answers, and help finding coverage that makes sense for your situation.

If you’ve been putting off questions about your insurance, this is your sign.
Let’s talk. 💙