From Boring to Brilliant: Training Videos Made Simple

Say goodbye to dense, static documents. And say hello to captivating how-to videos for your team using Guidde.

1️⃣ Create in Minutes: Simplify complex tasks into step-by-step guides using AI.
2️⃣ Real-Time Updates: Keep training content fresh and accurate with instant revisions.
3️⃣ Global Accessibility: Share guides in any language effortlessly.

Make training more impactful and inclusive today.

The best part? The browser extension is 100% free.

Check out Guidde

It’s open enrollment season, which means millions of people across the country are staring at their screens wondering why health insurance feels like reading a foreign language while blindfolded.

But choosing your plan doesn’t have to suck. This week on The Extreme Personal Finance Show, I sat down with Mike Anderson, owner of Anderson Benefit Partners and one of the sharpest health insurance minds I’ve ever met.

Mike’s whole mission?
Simplify the complicated. And after this conversation, I promise—you’ll feel way more confident about picking your plan for 2026. Let’s break it down!

Takeaways From My Conversation With Mike

1. The UCare Shakeup Is a Big Deal — Here’s What It Means

Over 300,000 people just found out their UCare plan is disappearing.
But here’s the wild part:

• UCare’s Medicare Advantage plan already shut down

• Their individual & family plans will be acquired by Medica

• You can technically still enroll in a UCare plan for 2026

• But most people probably shouldn’t

Mike said it straight:
Don’t assume your plan will stay the same. Check your renewal.

2. How to Actually Compare Health Plans Without Going Insane

Most of us look at:

❌ Premium

❌ Deductible

❌ Out-of-Pocket Max

And call it a day. Mike says that’s not enough. Start with these three things:

• Who are your doctors? Networks don’t translate across employer plans, individual plans, and Medicare. Same carrier name ≠ same network.

• What’s your household income? This affects tax credits and total cost more than people realize.

• How do you use your care? Primary visits? Therapy? Prescriptions? Chronic conditions?

Your plan should match your reality. It’s simple but game-changing.

3. Rising Costs Aren’t Your Imagination

Minnesota carriers filed 20–30 percent rate increases for 2025. Deductibles over $10,000 for individuals are becoming the norm.

Mike put it bluntly. Some families are now functionally uninsured even though they have coverage. He chalks it up to:

• Post-COVID care surge

• High-cost of medications like GLP-1 drugs

• Expiring tax credits

• Expensive specialty medications

• Increased claims across all systems

His take? We’re reaching a tipping point.

4. HSA Plans Are Changing in a Big Way

Thanks to new legislation in 2026:

• All Bronze plans become HSA-eligible

• Even if they include copays (which was never allowed before)

• Younger, healthier families may get more flexibility

• More people will be able to use the triple-tax-advantaged HSA strategy

This is one of the biggest changes to HSAs in years, and almost no one knows about it.

5. Hidden Traps That Catch Most People Off Guard

Mike says the #1 thing that shocks people?

Preventive care does not include diagnostic care.

Check out this Example:
You go in for a “free annual physical.” Doctor says, “Let’s run a blood panel.” Boom, this is now diagnostic vs. preventative.
Now you get a bill. It’s kinda sneaky, and it happens all the time.

6. For Small Business Owners: There’s a Better Way

If you’ve got a team under 50 employees, Level-funded plans are taking over Minnesota. Small employers are saving 20–30 percent over fully insured plans.

Mike even uses this for his own company. If you run a business, this might be the most important thing you read all month.

A Big Reminder: Your Plan Might Not Auto-Renew

Mike says this trips up a ton of people. Even if you do nothing, you might stay enrolled. But you also might not! You may:

• Get pushed into another plan

• Lose tax credits

• Get moved into a public program by mistake

• End up with no coverage at all

So please do yourself a favor. Log in and confirm your plan. Or call your broker.

Speaking of…

Why You Should Use a Broker (and Why It’s FREE)

I think this is super important and the part most people don’t know: If you buy your own insurance…

You pay the same whether you use a broker or not.

The carrier already builds the broker fee into your premium. If you don’t use one, the insurance company just keeps it. So why go it alone?

I think you can get someone on your side! Use someone who does this for a living and knows the networks, the pitfalls, the pricing, and the traps. Health insurance is confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming for most people, and the industry knows it.

But you don’t have to feel lost. Spend a little time to review your plan. Talk to a broker. Make a decision that actually fits your life.

Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you! Horns Up!

Listen to the Full Episode

“Choosing Your Health Insurance Doesn’t Have to Suck”
Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

To connect with Mike visit https://www.andersonbenefitpartners.com

Other Episodes

Thanks again for following along! Keep those Horns Up, my friend 🤘 🤘 And please share this newsletter with those you think would find value!