Group health, Medicare & individual insurance — made simple.

Most states classify small-group coverage as 50 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees (up to 100 in California, New York, and Vermont). Groups above that move into the large-group market. Ascend works with businesses across that entire range — from 2 up to 500 employees.

No. Carriers set the same premium whether you enroll directly or through a licensed broker. Our compensation comes from the carrier, not from you, so there's no added fee for our help.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan with a provider network, usually for a low or $0 premium. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) pairs with Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs and works with any provider that accepts Medicare, typically for a higher monthly premium. The right fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

Your Initial Enrollment Period runs 7 months around your 65th birthday. After that, the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) lets you switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the following year, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) gives current Advantage members one more chance to switch.

Source: Medicare.gov

The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange) is where individuals and families without employer coverage can compare and enroll in ACA-compliant plans, and check eligibility for premium tax credits that lower the monthly cost.

Source: HealthCare.gov

Yes, if you have a qualifying life event — losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby, among others — which opens a Special Enrollment Period, typically 60 days long.

Ancillary benefits are supplemental coverages — dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurance — layered on top of a group medical plan to round out an employee benefits package.

It depends on how long you need the coverage and your budget. Term life covers a set period (often 10–30 years) at a lower cost and is usually enough if the goal is replacing income while you're working or paying off a mortgage. Whole and universal life cost more but last your entire life and can build cash value — worth considering for estate planning or lifelong dependents.

Many group plans include a base level of short- or long-term disability coverage, but it often replaces only 40–60% of income and may be capped well below your actual salary. We can review your existing group benefit and tell you honestly whether an individual policy is worth adding.

Long-term care insurance covers help with everyday activities — like bathing, dressing, or memory care — whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility, which Medicare only covers for a short window after a hospital stay. Premiums are generally lowest and approval easiest in your 50s and early 60s, before a health change can limit your options.

Fill out the quote form above or call us directly at 708.390.0034. A licensed advisor will follow up within 24 hours to review your options at no cost.