Self-Employed Health Insurance in Arizona
With the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed, finding the right health insurance can sometimes seem complicated. Whether you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, consultant, realtor, small business owner or entrepreneur, reliable medical coverage can help protect your health and your finances.
Affordable Health Insurance helps Arizona self-employed individuals understand their health insurance options, and compare plans based on their budget, healthcare needs, household situation, doctors, prescriptions and preferred level of coverage.
Health Insurance Options for Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed people generally do not have employer-sponsored health insurance. This means you may have to buy your own health plan, either as an individual or for your family.
If you are a business owner with no employees, you are generally considered self-employed for Health Insurance Marketplace purposes. Freelancers, consultants, independent contractors and other solo business owners can usually buy individual Marketplace coverage instead of small business group insurance.
Depending on your situation, options may include:
- Health insurance via the ACA Marketplace
- Health insurance for the individual
- Health insurance for the family
- Short-term medical insurance, as appropriate and available
- Vision and dental insurance
- Accident insurance
Looking at only the monthly premium isn’t enough — the best choice depends on your personal situation.
ACA Health Insurance for Self-Employed People
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace is one of the main ways self-employed people get comprehensive health coverage. Marketplace health insurance plans must cover essential health benefits and can’t turn you down because of a pre-existing condition.
Depending on the plan, coverage may include:
- Visits to primary and specialist physicians
- Ambulance services
- Hospital inpatient care
- Prescription drugs
- Preventive care
- Lab tests
- Behavioral and mental health care
- Care for mothers and newborns
- Rehabilitative services
Actual coverage, provider network, deductible, copayments, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum will vary based on the specific plan selected.
Can Self-Employed People Qualify for Health Insurance Savings?
When you apply for Marketplace insurance, whether you qualify for premium tax credits and other savings usually depends on things like your expected household income and household size.
For self-employed applicants, Marketplace savings are based on estimated net self-employment income for the coverage year, instead of only the prior year’s income. Since self-employed income can vary, you need to make a realistic estimate of your expected annual income, and update your Marketplace information if that estimate changes significantly.
Reporting income accurately can help reduce the risk of receiving more or less financial assistance than you ultimately qualify for.
Choosing the Right Self-Employed Health Insurance Plan
The overall cheapest plan isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest monthly premium. When shopping for health insurance for self-employed individuals, consider the total cost and coverage structure.
Monthly Premium
Deductible
Provider Network
Prescription Coverage
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Self-Employed Health Insurance for Families
Many self-employed Arizonans need coverage for more than just themselves. If you need insurance for your spouse or children, you may be able to compare plans for your household with one application for individual Marketplace coverage.
The best plan may depend on:
- Family member count
- Household income
- Children’s health care needs
- Prescriptions required
- Favorite doctors and pediatricians
- Intended medical purpose
- Budget per month
At Affordable Health Insurance, we educate individuals and families about the differences between the options available so they can make an informed decision.
What If Your Self-Employment Income Changes?
Freelancers, contractors, consultants, commission-based professionals and seasonal business owners often have irregular income. If you’re self-employed and applying through the Marketplace, estimate your expected net income as best you can, and report any changes to your business income during the year — this can affect your eligibility for premium tax credits or other savings.
Self-Employed vs. Small Business Health Insurance
If you run a business without employees, you’ll typically use individual or family health insurance options. If your business has employees other than owners, spouses or certain family members, you might qualify for small business health insurance options instead.
When Can You Enroll in Health Insurance?
ACA Marketplace health plans generally have an annual Open Enrollment Period. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for certain life events, like:
- Loss of coverage through an employer
- Marriage
- Having or adopting a child
- Relocating to a new qualifying area
- Other qualifying life changes
Not sure if you can enroll now? An insurance professional can help you review your situation and the options that may be available to you.
Health Insurance for Freelancers and Independent Contractors
Self-employed workers come from a variety of industries. We can help people such as:
- Freelancers
- Consultants
- Realtors
- Independent contractors
- Gig workers
- Designers
- Photographers
- Contractors and tradespeople
- Online business owners
- Professional service providers
- Solo entrepreneurs
No matter what your job is, the goal is the same: get health insurance that combines the right mix of cost, coverage, access to doctors and financial protection.
Why Work With Affordable Health Insurance?
Choosing health insurance can be a matter of dozens of variables, especially if you don’t have an employer benefits department to help you.
Affordable Health Insurance has been providing services to individuals, families, seniors, small businesses and self-employed professionals since 2016. Our team can help you:
- Review health insurance options
- Understand premiums and deductibles
- Compare coverage features
- Review doctor and hospital networks
- Consider prescription needs
- Understand enrollment periods
- Review individual and family options
- Explore supplemental insurance coverage
Self-Employed Health Insurance in Mesa and Across Arizona
Affordable Health Insurance is based in Mesa, Arizona and serves clients throughout the state, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Phoenix and surrounding Arizona communities. See our full Arizona service area.
Insurance plan availability may vary by ZIP code, county, age, household situation and other eligibility factors.
