Health and Sickness Insurance
Health and sickness insurance is designed to help protect against financial exposure associated with covered medical expenses. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, networks, and cost-sharing vary by carrier and plan design.
Ashley River Benefits Group provides educational, consultative guidance to clients located in South Carolina. Jordan Bardsley is a South Carolina licensed life, accident, and health and sickness insurance producer. Policies are issued by licensed insurance carriers and are subject to eligibility and underwriting where applicable.
Ashley River Benefits Group is not an insurance company. This page is general educational information and does not describe all policy terms, exclusions, or limitations. Policy and plan documents control.
Where are you starting from?
Most people are balancing budget, access to care, prescriptions, and risk tolerance. Choose the closest match below and we will guide you through options that may be available.
Often a fit for those prioritizing network access and broader covered services, subject to plan design.
Explore major medical overviewOften starts with an HSA-qualified HDHP, plus clear education on contribution eligibility rules.
Explore HDHP and HSA overviewSome people evaluate catastrophic-style approaches depending on eligibility and plan availability.
Explore catastrophic overviewWe support South Carolina employers evaluating benefit options and coverage structures that balance cost, compliance, and employee needs.
Explore employer overview Educational only, no tax adviceHealth coverage options we discuss
The goal of this section is education. Specific products, plan availability, eligibility, and costs vary by carrier and plan design. Not every option is available to every applicant.
Major medical insurance
Major medical insurance is designed to cover a broad range of medically necessary services subject to plan terms, cost sharing, and network requirements. Plans vary widely in deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, provider networks, and prescription formularies.
- Network rules and prior authorization requirements may apply
- Out-of-pocket costs vary based on plan design
- Policy terms, exclusions, and limitations apply
General description only. Plan documents control.
High deductible health plans and HSA-qualified HDHPs
Some plans have higher deductibles and lower premiums. Certain plans may qualify as HSA-qualified HDHPs under federal rules. HSA contribution eligibility depends on multiple factors and may require the absence of disqualifying coverage.
- Often used with an HSA to pay eligible medical expenses
- HSA contribution eligibility generally requires an HSA-qualified HDHP
- Eligibility can be impacted by other coverage and circumstances
HSA rules are federal and can change. Consult a tax professional regarding your specific eligibility.
Catastrophic coverage
Catastrophic-style coverage generally focuses on protection from high-cost medical events and may have cost-sharing structures that differ from other plans. Eligibility and availability depend on plan design and carrier offerings.
- May be evaluated by those seeking lower premiums with higher cost sharing
- Not appropriate for every situation
- Policy terms, exclusions, and limitations apply
Short-term medical coverage
Short-term medical coverage may be available in certain situations and is often designed as temporary coverage. Benefits, limitations, and exclusions can be significant and vary by policy.
- Policy duration and renewability vary by product and carrier
- May include exclusions, waiting periods, or limitations
- Not a substitute for comprehensive major medical coverage for many individuals
Availability and rules vary. Policy terms control.
Plan-fit helper
This is a quick educational guide to help you think through plan structure preferences. It is not a recommendation, quote, or guarantee of eligibility or coverage.
Suggested conversation focus
Based on your selections, here are topics that are typically important to review:
- Plan networks and provider access
- Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Prescription formularies and prior authorization
- HSA eligibility questions when applicable
Final options depend on plan availability, eligibility, underwriting where applicable, and policy terms. This tool is educational only.
Talk through my optionsWe can walk you through deductible, network, prescriptions, and budget step-by-step.
Schedule a consultationThe 2026 federal HSA update
This section provides general educational information only. It is not legal or tax advice. Federal rules, limits, and effective guidance can change and should be confirmed based on final published guidance and your individual circumstances.
Key points to understand
- HSAs are governed by federal rules. HSA contribution eligibility generally requires enrollment in an HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan and meeting other eligibility requirements.
- Beginning in 2026, federal changes may expand how HSA funds can be used for certain qualifying arrangements, including certain Direct Primary Care-related fees, if applicable and within federal limits.
- Direct Primary Care is not insurance. It is typically a membership-based arrangement for primary care services.
- Health insurance remains important for protection against high-cost medical events. Coverage decisions should be based on needs, risk tolerance, and plan availability.
How we help with HSA and HDHP questions
We explain how common plan structures work, including HSA-qualified HDHP features, and help you understand what questions to ask about eligibility and coordination. We do not provide tax advice and recommend consulting a qualified tax professional for eligibility and compliance.
Any mention of HSAs or federal provisions is for educational purposes only. Confirm effective dates, eligibility rules, and permitted uses based on final guidance.
For South Carolina employers
We support employers evaluating benefit options that balance cost, compliance, and employee needs. Employer plan design and eligibility depend on business size, carrier availability, and other factors.
- Health and sickness insurance plan education and review
- Supplemental coverage discussions (accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness)
- General education on emerging wellness strategies, including coordination with non-insurance arrangements where appropriate
We do not provide legal or tax advice. Employers should consult qualified professionals regarding tax eligibility, compliance obligations, and benefit plan structure.
Quick glossary
These are common terms we explain during consultations. Definitions vary by plan and carrier, and plan documents control.
Deductible
The amount you may pay for covered services before certain plan benefits apply, depending on the plan.
Out-of-pocket maximum
A cap on certain covered cost-sharing amounts you may pay during a plan year, subject to plan rules.
Network
A group of providers and facilities that have contracted with a plan. Out-of-network rules vary.
Formulary
A list of covered prescription drugs. Coverage and tiers vary and may change.
Frequently asked questions
Do you serve clients outside of South Carolina?
No. Insurance products and services are offered only to clients located in South Carolina.
Can you guarantee approval, premiums, or specific plan availability?
No. Coverage availability, eligibility, premiums, and policy terms depend on carrier underwriting where applicable, plan availability, and eligibility. No outcome is guaranteed.
Can you give tax advice about HSAs or employer tax provisions?
No. We provide general educational information only. For tax eligibility and compliance, consult a qualified tax professional.
Does the 2026 HSA update mean I do not need health insurance?
No. HSAs relate to certain tax-advantaged spending and contribution rules. Health insurance is generally used to help protect against financial exposure from covered medical expenses, especially high-cost events.
What should I have ready for a consultation?
Helpful items include your current coverage details (if any), general budget range, preferred providers, and prescription needs. If you do not have these, that is fine. We can start with basics.
Schedule a health coverage consultation
If you would like to review options or ask questions about plan structures, HSA-qualified HDHPs, or the 2026 HSA update, you may request a consultation. This request is not an application for insurance and does not guarantee coverage.
Ashley River Benefits Group is not an insurance company. Insurance products are offered through licensed insurance carriers. Coverage availability, premiums, benefits, and eligibility vary by carrier and plan design and are subject to underwriting where applicable. This page provides general educational information only and does not provide legal or tax advice. This page is a solicitation for insurance.