Purchasing a new health care plan in today's insurance market can be frightening. Toss out words like health care reform, Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare at your next cocktail party, and you're bound to stir things up. Given the sea change that has taken place in U.S. health care over the past few years, it is only natural that people are anxious. And to be certain, there is a lot to talk about. But getting practical advice on choosing the right health insurance plan can be difficult. In this short primer, you will be introduced to a modern day fable designed to help you make informed decisions about your health care plan. It includes four sections: 1. A Health Care Fable 2. Vital Signs Summary 3. Information Checklist 4. Illustrative Plan Comparisons