Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

You have more options than you might think

When you work for yourself, health insurance is entirely your responsibility — but you're not limited to one path. We help entrepreneurs, freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors compare the real choices:

• ACA Marketplace plans — the most popular option, with income-based subsidies and no pre-existing-condition exclusions.
• Private PPO plans: indemnity-style options with the flexibility to see the providers you want, when you want, with no referrals needed. Often a strong fit if you don't qualify for subsidies.
• Short-term health plans — lower-cost temporary coverage to bridge a gap (limited benefits).
• Health-sharing ministries — community programs like Medi-Share; an affordable alternative, though not insurance.
• Direct primary care — a flat monthly membership for routine care, often paired with a catastrophic plan.

The tax advantages are real — and stackable

Self-employed workers have financial levers employees don't:

• Premium tax credits — ACA subsidies based on your adjusted gross income can cut premiums by hundreds a month.
• Self-employed health deduction — deduct 100% of premiums as an above-the-line deduction, lowering taxable income.
• HSA contributions — pair a qualified high-deductible plan with an HSA for a deduction going in, tax-free growth, and tax-free medical withdrawals.
• Cost-sharing reductions — Silver-tier plans may add lower deductibles and copays based on income.

The income lever most 1099 workers miss

Because Marketplace subsidies are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income, the retirement and HSA contributions you make as a business owner can lower your premium at the same time they lower your taxes. We help you see how the two move together before you commit to a plan.