If you’re self-employed and don’t have health insurance, you’re taking a huge chance.

There are all types of self-employed workers. You might be one of those self employed folks with a types of self-employed workers. Say, you’re a dog walker…….well, until you trip over that cute Yorkie and it’s impossible to handle all those leashes (because your broken arm is in a sling).

You can obtain health coverage more easily than you might expect. If you’re among the nation’s self employed workers, there are three primary options for acquiring health insurance:

1. Apply through the health insurance marketplace.
2. Apply through an independent insurance company that handles health insurances.
3. Marry somebody who has really great insurance.

Let’s skip the advice on how to achieve #3.

We’ll focus on the first two options!

What is Self Employed Health Insurance?

When you own your own business, and are an independent contractor, you need to get you own health insurance coverage. The rising cost of health care is staggering, but once you have a health insurance plan, you can check that worry off your list. If you don’t have a health plan, you may pay a federal tax penalty.

How to Choose the Best Self Employed Health Insurance Coverage

Self employed individuals have varying health insurance plan needs. For example, you may need a children’s health insurance program. You may worry about being able to afford the premiums, plus the deductible.

Here are factors to keep in mind as you read:

1. How much can you afford to pay for monthly premiums for health care coverage? Which gives you the most worry, high monthly premiums or a high deductible?
2. Do you want to go with a company that offers an umbrella policy, that includes dental and vision?
3. Do you want to be able to start a Health Savings Account (HSA)? If so, you’ll have a meet a certain requirement for the deductible ($1,350 single, $2,700 family). You can subtract contributions ($3,650 single, $7,300 family) from your adjusted gross income. As long as you use the HSA money to pay health costs, it won’t be taxed. An HSA is a way to save money on health insurance (and income taxes), since you can save and spend pretax dollars.
4. Customer Services – How much time would you like to spend on hold? Consider the health care insurance company’s reputation.
5. Are you looking for basic coverage, like preventative care, or do you prefer a plan that covers worst-case scenarios (catastrophic plans)? Alternatively, would you like a balanced option that falls between these two extremes?

Best Medical Insurance for Self Employed

Buying health insurance takes some research. Here’s our best advice for streamlining that process:

1. Begin by visiting the National Health Care website, which was established by the Affordable Care Act and is often referred to as Marketplace plans or the health insurance marketplace. The Affordable Care Act enables everyone – not just those with low incomes – to find a suitable health plan. Even if you have a high income, you can still obtain coverage through HealthCare.gov, although you will not qualify for any tax credits. On this site, you’ll find major health insurance providers (such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United), allowing you to compare policies side by side. You can also enter your estimated income to explore your available options.
2. Armed with that information, including the name and any identifying numbers for the policies you like, visit the websites for those health insurance providers. See if they provide health coverage for similar cost apart from the HealthCare.gov site.
3. As a self employed individual, find an independent insurance agent who handles health care policies. You’ll already have information about features and policies you like. See what an agent can do for you.

SHOP

SHOP is part of HealthCare.gov. It’s one of the health insurance options that small businesses can consider. There are plans for businesses with fewer than 10 employees, fewer than 25 and fewer than 50.

Independent contractors can tuck this information away, in the event you need to hire workers and want to provide health insurance as an incentive. In a nutshell – through SHOP, you pay half of the employees’ health insurance premiums. Then you’ll get a small business health care tax credit, which will be half of the money you paid. If you can afford health coverage and provide a health plan for workers, you’re likely to be more competitive to attract employees.

6 Top Companies for Self Employed Health Insurance Plans

Depending on your geographic location, you’ll find the first four listed on the HealthCare.gov site. We’ve also included links direct to the company’s website.

1. UnitedHealthcare

United Health Care offers coverage for health, dental, and vision. Marketplace plans featuring high deductibles may come with significantly low premiums. Additionally, United Insurance Company provides short-term health insurance as well as health insurance for students.

2. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Health insurance options for Anthem include health, dental and vision. Anthem also offers a group health insurance plan (for 2 to 50 employees) and short term health insurance. Due to the wide range of availability and its large network throughout the country, it’s one of the best health insurance options.

3. Cigna

Cigna is available in 14 states and steadily growing. The company offers medical and dental plans, but no vision plans. Cigma is unique in that it offers rewards for clients who complete preventive care requirements, such as annual physicals. The company also has plans for specific conditions, such as diabetes.

4. Aetna

Aetna has individual plans and plans for employers. The company offers medical, dental and visions plans. There are also international plans. Both on and off the Marketplace, Aetna has plans with charges that vary depending on household income.

5. Molina

Molina is not currently included among the Marketplace ACA plans, but it is worth mentioning. This is due to Molina‘s specific emphasis on Medicaid and Medicare plans, which may appeal to older individuals who are self employed. Additionally, Molina provides health coverage options.

6. Oscar

With an Oscar plan, you’ll get free access to virtual care in 22 states. There are also health care and prescription plan coverage. Oscar offers rewards for making healthy choices, such as a program where your account will be credited $1 for every day you reach your Steps goal (up to $100). As part of the services the company offers, Oscar clients are matched to a dedicated care team.

How to Get Self Employed Health Coverage

If you have lost or are about to lose your job and are eligible to use COBRA to extend your former employer’s insurance, take advantage of that option. However, once you become an independent contractor, it’s important to begin researching your options for self employed health insurance to prevent incurring high health care costs.

The Marketplace has an annual open enrollment period, but you can get coverage outside of open enrollment if you need a special enrollment period – for example, if you’ve lost your job or have moved, and need a new health insurance plan for coverage.

Shop on the marketplace and shop for private health insurance. Don’t delay getting coverage. You can’t be denied because of your health status or medical history.

Self Employed Health Insurance Deduction

When you pay for health coverage as an independent contractor, you can deduct the amount you pay from your gross income when you file a tax return. In that way, the extra cost you pay for coverage each calendar year can benefit you during the year – because you’ll have insurance – and when you file taxes. It may help you be able to subtract more than the standard deduction from your gross income.

Self Employed HSA for Health Insurance

You can have an HSA is your deductible meets the guidelines ($1,350 single and $2,700 family). You can contribute a max of $3,650 single and $7,300 family. An HSA is a good way to save and a good tax deduction. It’s also a nice cushion for health insurance plans.

The amount you can contribute may vary depending on how much you feel comfortable saving, but these funds can only be used for healthcare expenses. If you withdraw the money for other purposes, it will be subject to taxation. Your best option is to establish a Health Savings Account (HSA) and contribute to it as you are able.

After the age of 65, you can take out the HSA money and use it any way you like.

Which is the best health insurance for self employed?

The large companies such as United, Aetna and Anthem BCBS offer policies with similar costs and features. Make sure the company you choose has good coverage in your state.

How much does self employed health insurance cost?

You can get a Marketplace plan for less than $20 a month, but the deductible may be higher than $6,000.

Yet we’d argue that such a place is better than no plan. Medical care for a simple broken arm or leg would easily top $10,000.

What is the maximum income to qualify for free health care?

To be eligible for free health care, your income must be at least 150% of the federal poverty level, a threshold that is recalibrated each year.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "How to Get Self Employed Health Insurance" was first published on Small Business Trends