📌Considered Self-Employed.
If you work for yourself and don’t have access to an employer-sponsored health plan, you’re considered self-employed. This includes:
- Freelancers & consultants
- Independent contractors (e.g., Uber/Lyft drivers)
- Small business owners with no employees
- Gig workers (Etsy sellers, YouTubers, content creators)
- Sole proprietors and partners in a partnership
If you have employees, your options may shift into small business group plans instead of individual coverage.
Self-Employed Individuals Buy Health Insurance.
Health Insurance Marketplace.
Best for: Affordable ACA-compliant plans with subsidies
Plans available: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Enrollment:
- Open Enrollment: Nov 1 – Jan 15 (varies by state)
- Special Enrollment: Triggered by life events (e.g., loss of job coverage)
✅ Key Benefits:
- No pre-existing condition exclusions
- Income-based premium subsidies
- Includes essential benefits: preventive care, mental health, maternity, etc.
💡 Tip: If you expect to earn under ~$58,320/year (single filer), you may qualify for premium tax credits.
Private Health Insurance (Off-Marketplace)
Best for: More flexibility in networks or plan types
Where to get: Directly from insurers like Blue Cross, Cigna, Oscar, Aetna
Includes: PPOs, HMOs, short-term plans
❗Note: Off-marketplace plans do not qualify for subsidies — you pay full price.
Health Sharing Plans (e.g., Medi-Share, Zion Health)
Best for: Cost-conscious people with low health risks
How it works: Members pool money to cover each other’s medical bills
⚠️ Not legally considered insurance
- Doesn’t cover all ACA benefits
- May exclude pre-existing conditions
- Often faith-based or have lifestyle restrictions
Association Health Plans (AHPs)
Best for: Joining a professional organization that offers group rates
Example: National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), Freelancers Union
👍 Pros:
- Group-like pricing
- Potential for more coverage options
👎 Cons: - Limited availability
- Plans vary widely
COBRA (Temporary Option)
If you recently left a job and lost coverage, you may qualify for COBRA.
- You keep your old employer’s plan
- Pay full premium + 2% fee
- Available up to 18 months
❗Very expensive — useful as a bridge coverage only.
How Much Does It Cost.
| Plan Tier | Monthly Premium (before subsidies) | Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $360–$550 | $6,000–$9,000 | Catastrophic coverage |
| Silver | $500–$750 | $3,000–$5,000 | Balanced care |
| Gold | $650–$950 | $1,000–$2,500 | Frequent care needs |
| Platinum | $850+ | <$1,000 | Regular medical visits, chronic care |
🟢 With subsidies, many freelancers pay less than $100/month for a Silver or Bronze plan.
🧾 Tax Benefits for Self-Employed Health Insurance
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
- Deduct 100% of your premiums for yourself, spouse, and dependents
- Applies even if you don’t itemize deductions
Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Pair with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
- Contribute tax-free up to $4,150 (individual) or $8,300 (family) in 2025
- Funds grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free for medical expenses
Premium Tax Credit
- Available through ACA Marketplace based on income
- Reduces monthly premium payments directly
How to Choose the Right Plan
| Criteria | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Budget | What can you afford monthly? Do you want lower premiums or lower deductibles? |
| Health needs | Chronic condition? Frequent prescriptions? You may need Gold or Platinum |
| Preferred doctors | Are they in-network? Use provider search tools |
| Risk tolerance | OK with higher deductibles to save now? Consider Bronze + HSA |
| Family size | Coverage for spouse or kids? Consider family deductibles carefully |
Key Terms to Understand
- Premium: Monthly cost of the plan
- Deductible: What you pay before insurance kicks in
- Co-pay: Fixed amount for services (e.g., $30 for a doctor visit)
- Coinsurance: % you pay after deductible (e.g., 20%)
- Out-of-pocket max: The most you pay in a year before insurance pays 100%
Top Platforms to Compare and Buy Plans
| Platform | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Healthcare.gov | Official federal ACA marketplace |
| eHealthInsurance | Off-market & marketplace plans |
| Stride Health | Built for freelancers & gig workers |
| Policygenius | Easy comparison of private options |
| Oscar Health | Tech-driven health insurance app |
Self-Employed Graphic Designer in Florida.
- Age: 32
- Income: $42,000/year
- Enrolls in ACA Marketplace
- Chose: Silver HMO Plan
- Pays: ~$120/month with tax credits
- Deductible: $3,500
- Gets full preventive care and virtual visits free.