Many people get health coverage through their employers, but what are the options for freelancers and self-employed individuals? Securing freelancer health insurance is essential for protecting your health and adhering to legal requirements in some states as a self-employed person. Although securing self-employed health insurance may seem overwhelming, several resources can simplify the process.
By learning the basic process of getting health insurance as a freelancer, you can confidently navigate the process and find a plan that works for you.
Navigating Health Insurance as a Freelancer
As a freelancer, you’re responsible for handling insurance policies you may have previously gotten through an employer. This includes dental, vision, life, and, of course, healthcare plans.
Understanding the Importance of Coverage for Self-Employed Individuals
Health coverage isn’t mandatory on a federal level, but it is critical for protecting your physical and financial well-being. A quality plan ensures you can access the care you need if you get sick or require medical attention. Without a freelancer health insurance plan, out-of-pocket medical expenses can quickly add up and cause financial strain. A good policy can provide you with critical stability and peace of mind as a self-employed person.
It’s important to note that some states do require you to have health insurance. If you live in any of these states, you may have to pay a significant fine or penalty if you don’t have health insurance, so be sure to check your local requirements:
- California
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- Washington, D.C.
Determining Your Self-Employed Status and Eligibility
Whether you are officially self-employed is one of several common health insurance questions. The federal marketplace offers plans that meet certain minimum coverage requirements through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can apply during Open Enrollment to see if you qualify for a less expensive plan.
If you’re not getting covered through an employer, you’re likely eligible to get your own health insurance through the health marketplace. For example, if you own a business or work on a contract basis, you can most likely qualify for a marketplace policy.
Top Health Insurance Options for Freelancers
The right freelance medical insurance depends entirely on your budget and healthcare needs. When you sign up through the marketplace, you’ll be presented with various policies from different providers. Here are a few questions to ask when choosing a health insurance plan:
- How much can I afford for my monthly premium?
- Do I have complex healthcare needs?
- Do I expect to meet my deductible?
- Do I have regular medical appointments?
- Are my preferred providers in-network?
Specialized Coverage Strategies for the Self-Employed
If you want better coverage, you can also consider checking out supplemental policies. These policies provide additional benefits and coverage alongside your ACA plan, which can be especially helpful for freelancers. A qualified insurer or broker can help you determine the right options for your situation.
Weighing Cost Against Benefits
Healthcare can be a significant expense, even if you’re insured. As a freelancer, it’s critical to consider your medical costs before picking a plan.
Estimating Health Insurance Costs for Freelancers
The marketplace website provides details on various plans, including monthly premium costs, deductible limits, and co-pay amounts for various services. Using this information, consider how much you can expect to spend with different plans and find an option that works with your budget.
Look at your former medical and healthcare costs to see how much you use your plan. If you regularly make medical claims, you may want to invest in a more extensive policy. Similarly, if you don’t have extensive medical needs, you may only need basic coverage.
How to Cut Costs Without Compromising on Coverage
To find affordable freelancer health insurance that fits your needs, look for plans that prioritize the services you use the most. For example, if you regularly see a specialist, find an option with a low co-pay for specialists.
You can also see if you qualify for Medicaid based on your income level. If you’re just starting your freelancing business, Medicaid can provide you with quality, affordable care until you can boost your earnings.
Tax Considerations for Self-Employed Health Care
When you sign up for an ACA plan as a self-employed person, you can access some helpful tax benefits to make your policy more affordable. Ensure you have copies of the documents required for health insurance before you submit any applications.
Premium Tax Credits: How They Work
Premium tax credits give you a discount on your policy if you make under a certain amount. Based on your estimated income as a freelancer and other factors, you could potentially get your entire premium covered by the credit. Keep in mind that if you make more income than expected, you may need to pay some of the credit back during tax season.
Deducting Health Insurance Premiums on Taxes
As a freelancer, you may wonder: Is health insurance tax deductible for self-employed individuals? The answer is typically yes. You can deduct your monthly premiums, helping reduce your overall tax expenses.
Timing and Enrollment: When to Secure Your Policy
The ACA marketplace has an open enrollment period when you can sign up for a plan, typically from November 1 to January 15. You can also sign up outside of that period if you have a qualifying event, such as losing your previous coverage. Once you decide to freelance full-time, carefully research when your employer-sponsored policy ends and how long you have to get your new policy. Typically, you have 60 days after a qualifying event to sign up.
Affordable Health Insurance Options as a Freelancer
At Freeway Insurance, we can walk you through the entire process of securing medical coverage as a freelancer. Based on the information you provide, we’ll compare plans, see if you qualify for special programs, and help you pick a policy. Get a quote from Freeway online, visit your local insurance office, or call today at 800-777-5620 to get started.
