Coverage for the Self-Employed

Self-Employed Health Insurance

When you work for yourself, health insurance is on you — and the options can feel endless and confusing. We help sole proprietors, freelancers, consultants, and small-business owners sort through marketplace plans, tax credits, and group options so you get covered without overpaying.

Your options when you work for yourself

As a self-employed person, your primary option is the same individual and family plans sold on and off the marketplace — you don't need an employer to enroll. If your spouse has access to an employer plan, that's often worth comparing too.

If you have employees — even one — you may have group coverage and reimbursement options that individual plans don't offer. Tell us about your business and we'll point you to the right lane.

Tax credits can lower your monthly premium

Marketplace premium tax credits are based on your projected household income for the year — which is nerve-wracking when your income varies, but very manageable with a little planning. We'll help you estimate honestly and adjust mid-year if your business takes off or slows down.

The self-employed health insurance deduction

Self-employed people who aren't eligible for an employer plan (through a spouse, for example) can generally deduct health insurance premiums as an adjustment to income — above the line, even if you don't itemize. Eligibility rules apply, so confirm the specifics with your tax preparer; the point is that your real after-tax cost may be meaningfully lower than the sticker premium.

How we help

Compare individual plans as a self-employed buyer — or group options if you have employees
Estimate premium tax credits and adjust them as your income changes
Explain the self-employed premium deduction and how it affects your true cost
Re-shop your plan each Open Enrollment so you're never stuck overpaying for a stale plan

Common Questions

I'm a sole proprietor with no employees. Do I need a 'business' plan?

No — sole proprietors and single-member LLCs typically buy individual and family plans, just like anyone else buying on their own. Business group plans generally require employees besides yourself.

My income is unpredictable. How do subsidies work?

You estimate your income when you enroll; the subsidy is applied to your premium monthly. If your actual income comes in higher or lower, it's reconciled on your tax return — and you can update your estimate during the year so there are no big surprises.