No one can dispute that health insurance is important, especially in a country with healthcare costs that are so high. 45.7% of companies provide health insurance for their employees.
But what do you do if you’re self-employed? 31% of self-employed people with no employees have no insurance. How can you avoid being part of this statistic without breaking the bank?
Read on to find out more about health insurance for self-employed people!
Understand What’s Available in Terms of Health Insurance for Self Employed
Healthy insurance may feel like a must, but there are many options to choose from in the kind of insurance you can get.
Federal or State
Under the Affordable Care Act, states must either run their own insurance marketplace or use the federal one.
On these marketplaces, you’ll find private companies selling government-vetted policies that offer a variety of coverage amounts.
Healthcare Sharing Ministry
If government-run exchanges aren’t your thing, you can still find reasonable health insurance for self employed people.
With healthcare sharing ministries, your monthly premium contributes to not only your healthcare but other members of your same group.
This is a great way to cut costs, though, as with everything, research is needed to ensure you’re getting the right coverage for you and your family’s needs.
Health Savings Account
A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is great if you’re looking for a lot of control over your health funds.
An HSA is a high-deductible health plan. Essentially, you put all the money you want into a special account, and then, as long as you spend it on medical expenses that meet the qualifications, you pay no tax or penalty on the money withdrawal.
And, the best part, the money is still yours! So if you need it for a non-medical emergency, you can take it out (keeping in mind possible taxes and penalties), and use it!
Price Comparison: Your Ticket to Savings
Competition is the true beauty of the marketplace. Compare health insurance prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Look for Savings
Health insurance can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be excessive. Look for ways like these to decrease your costs.
Choose the Degree of Coverage
Less coverage means more savings. The ACA offers a “metal” rating system so you can choose a coverage plan that’s right for you. Platinum covers 90% of your out-of-pocket costs, Gold 80%, Silver 70%, and Bronze 60%.
Check for Subsidies
Depending on your income (less than 400% the poverty level), you may qualify for significant savings if you buy through the state marketplace.
You may also get a tax break from your health insurance simply for being self-employed on line 29 of form 1040 if your self-employed income is less than enough to cover to premium.
To do this, report your profits on Schedule C, then deduct the premiums until your Schedule C is equal to zero. Then report the leftover premium costs as an itemized deduction on Schedule A.
This may or may not work, but it’s worth a try to save money on health insurance for self employed!
Looking for a way to bring in some extra cash to offset insurance costs? Check out easy ways to make money here.
Curious about more ways to save money or improve your self-employed mom life? Feel free to contact this blog!