Freelancers and Health Insurance

You’ve left the old job to strike out on your own. Years spent developing the necessary skills have gotten you plenty of contracts, but some things you can’t take with you. You know you need health insurance, but one look at all the different options, plans and companies has got your head spinning. With up to 40% of freelancers going without medical coverage during the year it can be a daunting task. However, with a little savvy, and a lot of help, a good health plan can be found with minimal headaches.

Freelancers get a free health insurance quote!

Health Plan Options for Freelancers

Maybe it seems obvious, but many people forget that they can be added onto their spouse's existing plans for a nominal cost. Before striking out on your own try consulting their provider and see if you can be included. It could save you a lot of searching.

Plan B: Health From Your Local Freelancers Union

For those lacking the previous option there’s always plan B: getting health insurance through the Freelancers Union. Presently this plan is available in 31 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. While this offer is exclusive to the Freelancers Union, there are many other, similar organizations offering compensations to its members throughout the country. Contact your local union to learn about opportunities in your area.

More Health Care Options for Freelancers

Health Insurance Through COBRA

COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (whew, try saying that 10 times fast) allows you to keep the insurance plan you had with your old employer. The catch is that it’s only good for 18 months, and you’ll have to pay 100% of the cost since your employer won’t be around to split the bill. Still, this is better than many of the alternatives, providing excellent coverage while you search for something more permanent.

Start securing your health by requesting a free health insurance quote today.

HMO or PPO Health Plans

If none of these prove to be what you need then it’s time to assess your needs; do you visit the doctor a lot? If the answer is yes then a HMO or PPO is just the ticket. With an HMO, you have to deal with a deductible, i.e. the cash you’ve got to spend before the company steps in. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower the monthly payment, but you’ll be paying for it every time you need a check-up. A PPO differs from a HMO in that you have to go to one of the doctors in their network, but there’s no deductible. However, the premiums are usually higher, so there’s a trade off.

Important to Know Your Health Plan Needs

Make sure you have a clear understanding of your health history before selecting a plan. Healthy people can get by on a high deductible because their visits to the doctor are infrequent, while someone with a consistent condition will want something lower to off-set the cost of their visits. If you’re happy seeing one doctor, and know they will be around for a while, then a PPO could be a good solution. There are many options and plans available for the independent freelancer; all it takes is a little searching to find the right one.