With so many options available and complicated contracts to consider, the self-employed can have a hard time finding the best health insurance plan to fit their needs. Fortunately, many companies offer comprehensive plans and fair prices for the self-employed.
Read on for reviews of the best health insurance plans for the self-employed, plus a guide to finding a plan that aligns with your health. related to qualifications and financial situation.
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Our Top Picks for the Best Self-Employed Health Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield – Best Gold Plans
- Aetna – Best Tax Credits
- United Healthcare – Best Expanding Provider Network
- Cigna – Best for Rx
- Molina Healthcare – Best Price
- Humana – Best for PPO
- Oscar – Best for 24/7 emergency care
Reviews of the best health insurance for the self-employed
Why we chose it: Blue Cross Blue Shield is a reputable health insurance company with a huge network of providers. Their Gold plan offers comprehensive coverage with low caps for the self-employed and their families.
We included this company on our list of the best self-employed insurance options for their Gold plans affordable. . “Gold” health insurance plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs for higher monthly premiums and are generally a good choice for people who use medical services frequently.
Gold plans also they benefit self-employed people who prefer to know up-front how much they’re going to spend on health care (and fit it into their budget plans), even with the higher monthly premiums.
The insurer also has a wide network of providers in a wide coverage area, with around 1.7 million participating doctors and hospitals across the country.
The main drawback of this insurance provider is that it is made up of a network of 35 regional companies. That means customer service can vary by location. For example, JD Power ranks Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois #1 in customer satisfaction, but is much lower in California.
Depending on the region, this company has A, A- or A. with the credit rating agency AM Best. It also gets an A from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Doctor copays start at $10, and some plans include health and wellness discounts for gym memberships and fitness equipment. You can also add child and adult dental insurance to your plan.
Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield provides a reliable option for the self-employed person who wants low premiums and a wide network of providers .
Why we chose it: Aetna plans are eligible for the maximum premium tax credit, which means you can offset your health insurance costs based on your income . This option is solid if you’re starting an independent career and want to access coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Aetna offers a variety of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans. , with all plans eligible for the maximum premium reduction provided through the Affordable Care Act. That means you can lower your premium costs based on your income.
For example, if you earn less than 150% of the federal poverty level, you could buy a Silver plan through Aetna and contribute as little as $0. . Unfortunately, those tax credits are not available nationwide. Therefore, you should speak with an Aetna agent about your options based on location and income or view your plan options by entering your zip code on the Aetna website.
Another benefit for professionals who are self-employed on a budget is Aetna. low-cost MinuteClinic services. You can visit a local MinuteClinic for emergency and preventive services for as little as $0. Members can also access virtual care 24/7 for free. For other services, physician copays start at $20.
Aetna isn’t the cheapest option if you don’t qualify for premium tax credits through the ACA. However, the company has a reputation for reliability, with an A rating from AM Best and an A from BBB.
Why we chose it: With 1.3 million suppliers health care and more With 6,500 hospitals, United Healthcare’s network is one of the largest in the country. This company offers health insurance for the self-employed and their families through various products, including short-term health insurance, supplemental insurance, dental and vision coverage.
United Healthcare is available in all 50 states and offers a wide range of insurance products. People who qualify can access Medicare and Medicaid plans through United and can receive supplemental and short-term coverage.
This company is not the cheapest health insurance for a self-employed person own. The average premium cost for a healthy 30-year-old is around $400, with family plans going beyond $1,200.However, those plans come with access to United’s extensive network and additional benefits, including wellness discounts and low-cost prescription drugs. Copays for primary care visits start at $0.
User reviews of United Healthcare are generally positive, as evidenced by the BBB’s A rating. Its smartphone app, which also has high customer reviews, lets you view your health plan details, create a digital ID card, and manage your prescriptions.
Why we chose it: Cigna offers affordable health insurance for the self-employed in 12 states in the US We chose this company for its convenience and benefits , including online consultations and home deliveries. for prescription drugs.
Although not available in all 50 states, Cigna offers low-cost HMO and EPO plans, as well as streamlined online services, for self-employed professionals in the following states and districts: Arizona, California , Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.
Inside the locations listed above, Cigna works with 1.5 million providers and facilities, plus 67,000 pharmacies. It also offers dental coverage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in all 50 states.
Cigna’s most attractive features make it convenient for patients to access health care. These include access to 24/7 virtual care and prescription delivery. That means Cigna members can chat with their doctor, get a prescription, and get their medication without ever leaving their home, which is a benefit for self-employed and work-from-home people.
The disadvantage is that Cigna does not stand out for its customer service. The insurer does not have a BBB rating and has a high number of customer complaints. Potential customers should be aware of this before deciding on an insurer.
Why we chose it: If you’re looking for low-cost coverage without an employer, it’s worth looking into. Molina in. Its Bronze and Silver plans have some of the most affordable options on the market yet still offer comprehensive coverage.
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Molina Healthcare defies the rule that cheaper health insurance is not necessarily better. A low-cost plan with limited coverage usually won’t help much when you need to see a doctor. However, Molina Healthcare is a large insurer that offers reliable coverage for a low premium.
While Molina is available in all 50 states, its ACA plans are only available in 14 states. Even without ACA assistance, you can buy a Bronze or Silver plan without paying too much (for a healthy 30-year-old, premiums can be $200-$300, depending on location). Doctor copays start at $0.
Most plans include free virtual visits and low-cost prescriptions. Molina has a modern app that members can use to talk to a nurse or to get more information about their plan. This company has a B rating from AM Best, slightly lower than average for a major insurance provider.
Why we chose it: Humana offers flexible PPO plans with extensive options of coverage, which are worth considering if you want to stay with your primary care provider but don’t want higher premiums.
Humana targets people who want to stay with a particular provider. One of the hardest parts of changing insurance companies is finding doctors and hospitals you trust in your new network. PPO plans simplify this problem at a higher cost than HMOs or EPOs.
Humana has relatively low-cost and flexible PPO plans available nationwide. With Medicare Advantage, Humana plans start at $0 per month. That’s one of the reasons older Americans choose this insurance company.
Although Humana’s PPO plans let you choose your doctor, you’ll save more money by staying in the company’s network. That network is extensive, with thousands of doctors in every state. Physician copays start at $0. With Medicare Advantage, you can pay about $30 a month for a PPO plan.
Humana has an A- rating from AM Best and an A from BBB, higher-than-average customer satisfaction ratings for a Major Insurance Provider .
Why We Chose It: If you want the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 virtual care, you may want to consider Oscar. This is a modernized healthcare company that allows you to talk to a doctor and get a prescription anytime, without leaving your home.
Oscar stands out because his virtual urgent care is available 24 hours a day. day, 7 days a week through the mobile application. It’s fast, convenient, and free with most Oscar plans. Today, many health insurance companies offer virtual services, but most do not offer it 24/7.
The downside is that Oscar is currently only available on 22 states. However, all plans in those states are eligible for subsidies through the ACA. Without subsidies, a healthy 30-year-old could pay between $300 and $400 for a Bronze or Silver with Oscar plan (costs vary by location).
The Oscar app allows members to track their deductible, talk to a doctor, and refill prescriptions at any time. It also has some interactive wellness features, like a step counter. While the app has a 4.7/5 star rating, the company receives a high rate of complaints. It has an A- rating from BBB and 1/5 stars from customer reviews.
Another Health Insurance We Considered
Freelancers Union
Freelancers Union es is not a health insurance company, but helps the self-employed to connect and learn more about health insurance for the self-employed. As a member of the Freelancers Union, you can shop for plans and enroll through their website.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the most popular employer-sponsored health care companies in the world. market. but it is not the best for individual plans. The cost of self-employment health insurance with Kaiser can be expensive. However, Kaiser has a reliable health network and comprehensive coverage if you can afford it.
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act, Also known as Obamacare, it is a federal program that provides subsidized health care for low-income households. You can buy a health care plan that fits your income and family size on the ACA marketplace. The ACA might be the best place to start if you’re looking for a self-employed health insurance plan with (often significant) tax deductions.
Guide to Self-Employed Health Insurance
Buying health insurance shouldn’t be complicated. A good plan should have a manageable balance between deductibles, premiums, and coverage. After you decide which market you want, look for companies with a simple claims process, group plans, or other applicable benefits. Remember that health care may seem overly expensive, but out-of-pocket medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy for the American consumer, so choose wisely.
To get started, you need to know what type of health plan want health insurance .
Types of health insurance plans
With employer-sponsored health insurance, you usually have one or two plans to choose from. These plans are usually explained by a human resources representative. For independent contractors, it’s a bit more complicated. However, it would be best to understand the different types of plans so you know which one to choose.
Let’s start by breaking down the difference between the types of standard plans.
HMO (HMO) organization)
An HMO plan restricts your health care choices to a predefined network of providers. That means less freedom to choose your doctor or hospital, but comparatively lower premiums and deductibles than other types of plans.
With an HMO, you usually have a primary care provider who will refer you to other specialists within network. . Most insurers let you explore their network online to find an in-network doctor you like.
While you may have access to some free services or a small copay per visit if you visit a In-network doctor, provider, you will not be covered and will have to pay entirely out-of-pocket if you see a doctor or hospital outside of your HMO’s network.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) )
A PPO offers a little more flexibility than an HMO when choosing a provider. With this plan, you don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist, and you can also see doctors outside of your network, although you’ll pay a little more cost.
PPO plans generally they have higher premiums than HMOs and require a little more paperwork. For example, you may have to file a claim yourself when you see an out-of-network doctor.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
With an EPO plan, you don’t You do not need a referral to see a specialist, but you are restricted to their provider network. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for out-of-network services (unless it’s an emergency).
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This type of plan is a good option if you want specialty care without a referral but don’t want to pay more for a PPO.
POS (point of service)
A POS plan combines the benefits of a PPO with those of an HMO. This type of plan means you have a primary care doctor who coordinates your services, but you can still get some coverage for out-of-network specialists.
With a POS, you’ll have to pay up-front for primary care. network. You can then submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement.
Metal Tiers
Health insurance companies classify their plans into “metal” tiers: Bronze, Silver , Gold and Platinum.
The higher the metal level, the higher the bonus. By contrast, higher tier plans come with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. If you choose a Gold or Platinum plan, you’ll pay more per month but less overall for preventive and emergency services.
If you’re seeking an IRS self-employed health insurance deduction for a higher-tier plan, you’ll want to talk to an insurance agent about your medical history. Most ACA and state programs offer low-cost Bronze or Silver plans, but make exceptions for people with disabilities or pre-existing conditions.
Where to find health insurance for the self-employed
So, what is the best health insurance for the self-employed? It varies from person to person. Every health plan has pros and cons. However, the best health insurance for family members and self-employed individuals comes down to several factors, including your income, location, and health status, just to name a few.
Start by comparing your options. Here are some places you can look for health plans in your area.
Health Insurance Marketplaces
We mentioned a few health insurance marketplaces in the list above: Freelancers Union and the ACA market, but there are also regional and state markets. For example, California residents can search for subsidized plans through Covered California.
Remember that a marketplace is not an insurance company; You will look for plans from different companies. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the benefits and costs of each plan.
State Government Programs
Under the Affordable Care Act, each state has its own program sponsored health insurance. Looking for plans specific to your state will help you narrow down your options and make sure you get the right assistance.
Federal Government Programs
In addition to the ACA, some other federal programs may offer options discount health insurance for self-employed professionals. These include:
- Medicare: Federally sponsored insurance for adults age 65 and older. Medicare beneficiaries generally pay a small monthly premium based on their income.
- Medicaid: Need-based health insurance not provided by an employer . To qualify, most states require a person to meet 138% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid can be a practical option for someone with pre-existing conditions who needs immediate coverage but cannot afford an individual plan.
Military Programs
TRICARE is a health care program funded by the military and their families that provides affordable health insurance to eligible individuals. Depending on your household income and health conditions, you can often qualify for free or discounted health plans.
Partner Organizations
A way to find the best insurance plans Self-Employed Health Care is to connect with a union or membership organization, such as the above-mentioned Independent Workers Union. Other alternatives include:
- AARP
- Writers Guild of America
- Office of Small Business Services
- National Association of Women Executives
Some of these organizations offer group plans, which offset the cost of health insurance without an employer.
How We Choose the Best Self-Employed Health Insurance own
We selected the seven insurance companies on this list based on their value to the self-employed. Here are some factors we consider:
Overall value
How much does health insurance cost for the self-employed? Again, the answer varies based on need.
However, we do compare companies on what coverage they provide and how much it costs. While some of the companies reviewed on this list are more expensive than others, they also provide more comprehensive coverage, meaning members get what they pay for.
Statewide Availability
Unfortunately, not all health insurance plans are available in all 50 states. Health insurance companies like Cigna have limited availability based on location.
That said, most of the companies reviewed on this list offer at least some plans in every state. Visit their websites to see what plans are available in your area.
Member Support
Health insurance can seem complicated. That’s why helpful resources and customer service are essential factors in a good health care plan. Look for a health insurance company that offers online guidance, virtual care, or customer service availability to help you understand your plan.
Plan Features
Your plan features health care should be easy to understand. understand. Your provider should clarify your copay for primary care visits, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximum.
In addition, the best health insurance companies provide a host of benefits with each plan, including virtual care and well-being. discounts
Summary of the best health insurance for the self-employed
- Blue Cross Blue Shield – Best Gold plans
- Aetna: Best for Tax Credits
- United Healthcare: Best Expanding Provider Network
- Cigna : Best for Rx
- Molina Healthcare – Best Value
- Humana – Best for PPO
- Oscar – Best for 24/7 Emergency Care
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