Health Insurance for Writers

Health insurance for writers includes millions of people who are self-employed, work from home, or are employees in a small firm or business. More often than not, the transition from employee with full benefits to freelancer becomes problematic, especially when it comes to getting insurance.

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As a freelance writer, one must approach the question of health insurance methodically. About 43 million Americans go without health insurance because they cannot afford it, but when crunch time comes they will wish they found the money somehow or did their homework to find the best plan they could afford. Some ways to find the right insurance can be the following:

• Cadge in on your employed spouse's insurance. Some companies have insurers that allow spouses and dependents of employees to get coverage at discounted rates if they are not beneficiaries
• Check out local writers groups and associations that may be offering health plans. Barring that, the local small business associations have something cooking with other associations for health insurance packages. Bigger is better for group insurance.
• If still eligible, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) may be the ticket if you have just recently left your employment. You can pay for coverage under your former employer's group plan for up to 36 months. If nothing else, it can be a transitory arrangement until you find a better deal.
• The local chamber of commerce may have an arrangement for its members.
• A small business coverage pool may be available in your state. The State Insurance Commissioner will have the information you need.

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• Go Internet shopping. Some sites let you comparison shop among the available packages from reputable insurance companies.
• Get in touch with the National Association of Health Underwriters or the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality to get a list of insurance companies and agents that can help you in your search.

Being a freelance writer can be a rewarding and satisfying pursuit provided you feel secure in your health. Having health insurance allows the creative juices to flow unhindered. However, choosing the right insurance coverage is like turning out a writing assignment; you have to go through several revisions and corrections before you can turn out the perfect product.

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