As a dedicated teacher for 11 years, my life took a beautiful turn when my daughter arrived. The joys and challenges of parenthood inspired me to start my social media platform, @kidfriendlyphilly, in March 2023. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a thriving community, connecting local businesses with families and keeping parents informed about the best kid-friendly spots in Philadelphia.
Finding myself at a crossroads in May 2024, I faced the decision of turning my passion into a full-time career. The main obstacle? Leaving my teaching position meant giving up the health insurance that my family depended on. The fear of not being able to afford quality health insurance was a real concern. As the primary insurance holder, I couldn’t take this decision lightly. The safety net of my union job’s benefits was the only thing holding me back from fully committing to @kidfriendlyphilly.
Determined to find a solution, I explored health plans on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. To my surprise, I discovered affordable and trusted health plans through Independence Blue Cross (IBX). The process of comparing plans was straightforward, and I ultimately chose the Keystone HMO Proactive Gold plan. This plan offered the coverage my family needed at a price we could afford, giving me the confidence to make the leap into full-time content creation.
Since making the switch, I’ve been able to fully support local businesses, help brands grow their awareness, and connect with more parents in our community. While the journey has had its challenges, taking the risk has been incredibly rewarding. Finding the right health insurance was a crucial step in making my dream a reality.
If you’re facing a similar decision between security and pursuing your passion, I encourage you to take the leap. Open Enrollment for health insurance is currently underway, with December 15 as the deadline to apply for coverage starting on January 1. I recommend exploring an Independence Blue Cross health plan, as they have supported my family both in traditional employment and self-employment.
Visit Pennie to explore your options, compare plans, and find the coverage that suits your needs. You may qualify for financial assistance to lower your monthly premium, making your dream career more attainable. Your future is waiting, and with the right support, you can make it a reality.
(Note: This blog was originally published by Brittany Delgado on kidfriendlyphilly.com.)
