Freelancing can be a great alternative when you’re trying to find a work life that fits you best. Finding healthcare is a necessary challenge in this type of work. With more than 53 million Americans working as freelancers (earning some income in nontraditional work, healthcare is on the modern workforce’s minds. Fortunately there are a few healthcare options for freelancers, giving peace of mind in planning out our health future.
What are my options?
Healthcare for freelancers is an especially tailored challenge—there’s no one premium or ballpark figure that will summarize how much you can expect to pay. It depends on factors such as family size, state, national laws, line of work, and how much income you earn.
Table of Contents
Convert your employer’s insurance into individual [https://freework.com/guides/us-freelancers-healthcare-options-2018#convert]
Domestic Partner Insurance [https://freework.com/guides/us-freelancers-healthcare-options-2018#domestic-partner-insurance]
Freelancer’s Union [https://freework.com/guides/us-freelancers-healthcare-options-2018#freelancers-union]
Local chamber of commerce or professional group [https://freework.com/guides/us-freelancers-healthcare-options-2018#local-chamber]
Private Insurance [https://freework.com/guides/us-freelancers-healthcare-options-2018#private-insurance]
Convert your employer’s insurance into individual If you’re switching from a corporate job into freelancing, there may be a possibility about switching your coverage from the company’s policy into an individual one. If you’re uneasy about taking the plunge with a new provider, there are some health care insurance companies that allow you to convert the group policy into an individual. It may be more expensive, but with some policies, there may be an open enrollment period. During this period, say 18 months, you can pay the same monthly cost as you would if you were an employee. Check with the health insurance company to learn more.
Domestic Partner Insurance Domestic partner insurance is when a partner receives coverage through their partner’s insurance. This is recognized for a couple who live together, share their life, but are not legally married. Insurance benefits can be extended to the partner, but also any children. Additionally, it may give the freelancing partner a reduced insurance rate.
You’ll need:
Proof of the same residence for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year
Neither person is married and are both in a committed relationship to the other
Partners are known to be in a committed relationship
Share their life together in terms of finances, shelter, food, etc. You may be asked to provide proper documentation
Freelancer’s Union A recent addition to the freelancer healthcare scheme, the Freelancer’s Union provides national insurance plans. Before, coverage was only available to freelancers living in certain states. Check out your local freelancer’s union coverage. Depending on the state, it could be a worthy investment if the group scheme is large enough.
Local chamber of commerce or professional group Similar to the Freelancer’s Union (which is much like a professional organization), you may receive coverage from any associations you are part of. Like the Freelancer’s Union [https://www.freelancersunion.org/health/], it allows individuals to come together and create the same kind of rates as you would if you were at a standard employer. Contact your local chamber of commerce or join a professional group that provides health services to their members.
Private Insurance You could become privately insured, if you earn a decent income. Though it varies greatly if you are only getting coverage for yourself versus a family of four. If you have dependents, monthly payment could run as high $1000 per month.You can find and compare plans through these resources:
eHealth [https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/]
HealthInsurance.com [https://www.healthinsurance.com/]
HealthPlanOne [https://www.healthplanone.com/]
Indivisible [https://www.indivisible.org/resources/healthcare/]
Families USA [https://familiesusa.org/initiatives/defending-health-care-2018]
There’s no blanket answer for freelancers when it comes to choosing a healthcare plan. But all healthcare experts can agree that some coverage is better than no coverage at all. Otherwise a freelance may be stuck with paying over $2000 for an MRI scan. Freelancers should think about how they can influence legislative action in putting pressure on government to provide accessible, affordable healthcare. Check out these healthcare advocacy groups to learn more about how you can support better healthcare coverage in the US.
More Blog Posts
9/28/2021
Guide to writing an Invoice Email - Freework Template
Getting paid can be trickier than expected as a freelancer or business-owner. Here are some instructions you should follow to create ideal Invoice Emails.
Niklas
Product
2/13/2019
How You’ll Fail as a Digital Nomad, If You Don’t Do These
Freelancing can be liberating in a lot of ways but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Follow these crucial steps to avoid failure.
Niklas
Product
2/13/2019
How to Become a Freelance Designer
Designing caters to a booming market. Follow these simple steps to start a career as a freelance designer.
Niklas
Product
