Health Insurance That Fits Your Life, Not Just Your Budget

Health insurance decisions carry real consequences — the wrong plan costs you money every month and leaves you exposed when you need care most. At Crosby & Henry, we work through the options with you. As an independent agency with access to multiple carriers, our job is finding the right fit for your situation, not steering you toward a single product.

Individual, Family, and Group Coverage Explained Clearly

Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, aging off a parent's plan, or looking to offer benefits to your employees, the health insurance landscape can feel like a maze of deductibles, networks, and acronyms. We cut through it.

 

We work with clients across Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan on:

 

  • Individual and family health insurance plans
  • Small business and group health coverage
  • Self-employed and independent contractor coverage
  • Supplemental health policies to fill gaps in existing coverage
  • Short-term health insurance for transitional periods

 

Every conversation starts with understanding your situation — your health, your household, your budget, and how often you actually use your coverage. From there, we help you compare plans across carriers in plain language.

What to Know Before You Choose a Health Insurance Plan

The plan with the lowest monthly premium is rarely the lowest-cost plan. A high deductible can turn a manageable health event into a significant financial setback. We walk clients through the full picture before any decision is made.

 

Key factors we review with every client:

 

  • Premium vs. out-of-pocket exposure: Monthly cost matters, but so does what you'd owe if something went wrong.
  • Network access: Whether your doctors and preferred hospital are in-network affects both cost and care quality.
  • Prescription coverage: Formulary tiers vary significantly across plans — especially for ongoing medications.
  • HSA eligibility: High-deductible plans paired with a Health Savings Account can offer meaningful tax advantages for the right household.
  • Employer contribution (for group plans): How the cost splits between employer and employee shapes the real value of a group plan.

 

Understanding these variables before you enroll is the difference between a plan that works and one that surprises you.

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Small Business Health Insurance in Grand Rapids

Offering health benefits is one of the most effective ways to attract and retain employees — but small business owners often assume it's out of reach. Group health coverage is more accessible than many expect, and the structure of a well-designed plan can work for both the business and the team.

 

We help business owners in Grand Rapids and across Kent, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, and Grand Traverse counties evaluate group health options, understand employer contribution requirements, and compare carrier offerings side by side. If you're already carrying commercial coverage through us, adding group health is a natural next step — and we'll coordinate both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance

Can I get health insurance outside of open enrollment?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Qualifying life events — losing employer coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving — trigger a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to enroll outside the standard window. Short-term health plans may also be available as a bridge. We can help you determine what you qualify for and when.

What's the difference between an HMO and a PPO?

An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) typically requires you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists. It usually costs less but limits your network. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) gives you more flexibility to see specialists without referrals and access out-of-network providers, usually at a higher premium. The right choice depends on how you use your coverage and which doctors matter most to you.

How do I know if a health plan's network includes my doctor?

Every carrier maintains a directory of in-network providers. Before recommending a plan, we verify that your current physicians and any specialists you rely on are included. Network gaps are one of the most common sources of unexpected costs — we check before you enroll, not after.

Is health insurance through an independent agent more expensive than buying directly?

No. Premiums are set by the carrier and regulated by the state — they don't change based on how you purchase. What changes is the quality of guidance you receive. Working with an independent agent means someone is reviewing your options across multiple carriers and helping you avoid costly mismatches between coverage and need.

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Can Crosby & Henry help with Medicare coverage as well?

Yes. We offer Medicare Supplement Insurance for clients approaching or already in Medicare. If you're transitioning from an employer plan or turning 65, we can walk through both your health insurance options and your Medicare choices in the same conversation.

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Trusted by Michigan Families Since 1858

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A huge shout out to both Josh Reimer and Walker Willis. We have a unique situation with multiple businesses in addition to rental properties and Josh and Walker went, to say the least, above and beyond. They searched high and low for the best policies for our specific situation, and found us the best price. 10000/5 stars. I cannot recommend them enough!!!

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We have had a great experience with Crosby and Henry. Adelaide did everything she could to fit us with the policies that were best for our homes and cars. We had many questions through the process and both Adelaide and Jamie were very patient and worked hard to find us the answers we needed. Crosby and Henry is the place to be if you need insurance.

Mary pollock

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Jackie from Crosby & Henry has consistently gone above and beyond to provide exceptional service. She's not only helped me navigate the complexities of insurance policies but has also been incredibly responsive and supportive whenever I've had questions or needed assistance. I highly recommend Jackie and Crosby & Henry to anyone seeking reliable and personalized insurance services.

Eduardo Rodriguez

Guidance You Can Count On, From People Who Know Your Name

Health insurance questions come up at every stage of life — when you're starting out on your own, growing a family, running a business, or planning for retirement. The answers aren't always simple, but they shouldn't require a law degree either. Below are some of the questions we hear most often from clients across Grand Rapids and Michigan.

  • Can I get health insurance outside of open enrollment?
    Yes, in certain circumstances. Qualifying life events — losing employer coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving — trigger a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to enroll outside the standard window. Short-term health plans may also be available as a bridge. We can help you determine what you qualify for and when.
  • What's the difference between an HMO and a PPO?
    An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) typically requires you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists. It usually costs less but limits your network. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) gives you more flexibility to see specialists without referrals and access out-of-network providers, usually at a higher premium. The right choice depends on how you use your coverage and which doctors matter most to you.
  • How do I know if a health plan's network includes my doctor?
    Every carrier maintains a directory of in-network providers. Before recommending a plan, we verify that your current physicians and any specialists you rely on are included. Network gaps are one of the most common sources of unexpected costs — we check before you enroll, not after.
  • Is health insurance through an independent agent more expensive than buying directly?
    No. Premiums are set by the carrier and regulated by the state — they don't change based on how you purchase. What changes is the quality of guidance you receive. Working with an independent agent means someone is reviewing your options across multiple carriers and helping you avoid costly mismatches between coverage and need.
  • Can Crosby & Henry help with Medicare coverage as well?
    Yes. We offer Medicare Supplement Insurance for clients approaching or already in Medicare. If you're transitioning from an employer plan or turning 65, we can walk through both your health insurance options and your Medicare choices in the same conversation.