Serving the Midwest since 2014 · Licensed in 15 states

The Elie Ortiz Insurance Blog

Straight answers on Medicare, health, and life insurance in the Midwest

No jargon. No pressure. Just practical guidance from a licensed independent agent based in the Midwest.

Featured·Life Insurance

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: A Side-by-Side Comparison for Midwest Families

A clear, no-pitch comparison of term and whole life insurance, including how each is priced, what they cover, and when each one actually makes sense.

July 22, 2026 7 min readRead

Latest articles

Medicare

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in the Midwest: Which Is Right for You?

A plain-English comparison of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans for Midwest beneficiaries, with the tradeoffs that actually matter.

July 11, 2026 7 min
Medicare

Turning 65 in the Midwest: A Month-by-Month Medicare Checklist

Exactly what to do in the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday to enroll in Medicare without penalties.

July 5, 2026 6 min
Health Insurance

Self-Employed Health Insurance in the Midwest: What You Actually Have

Freelancers, 1099 contractors, and small business owners in the Midwest have more options than the Marketplace. Here's the full menu.

June 28, 2026 8 min
Health Insurance

Better Alternatives to COBRA for Midwest Families Losing Job-Based Coverage

COBRA can cost $700+ per month per person. Here are the real alternatives most Midwest residents qualify for after leaving a job.

June 20, 2026 6 min
Small Business

Small Business Health Insurance in the Midwest: What Owners with 2-50 Employees Should Know

Group plans, QSEHRAs, ICHRAs, and level-funded options for Midwest small businesses — with the pros and cons of each.

June 14, 2026 7 min
Life Insurance

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for the Midwest Families: A Practical Breakdown

How to decide between term and permanent life insurance, with realistic examples of what each costs a Midwest family.

June 7, 2026 6 min
Medicare

Medicare Annual Enrollment 2026: What the Midwest Beneficiaries Should Review

October 15 - December 7 is your annual chance to change Medicare plans. Here's what to check even if you're happy with your current plan.

May 30, 2026 5 min
Health Insurance

ACA Subsidies in the Midwest for 2026: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Enhanced premium tax credits are still in effect for 2026. Here's how they work and who qualifies in the Midwest.

May 22, 2026 6 min
Medicare

Understanding Medicare Part D in the Midwest: The Part Most People Get Wrong

How Part D prescription drug plans work, why the wrong plan can cost you thousands, and how to pick right.

May 15, 2026 6 min
Health Insurance

The 12 Health Insurance Terms Every the Midwestn Should Know

Deductible, coinsurance, MOOP, HSA — a plain-English glossary so you can shop plans without getting lost in jargon.

May 8, 2026 5 min

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