Health Insurance Tips for Self Employed Individuals

Working for yourself or freelancing is appealing for many reasons. There is flexibility, creative freedom and the ability to work from home. But there are also drawbacks that many people discover only after they have left the traditional workforce in favor of working as an independent contractor.

One of the most significant concerns for independent contractors is health insurance. Getting health insurance as an independent contractor can be more difficult than if you are signing up for coverage under an employer’s plan. But, that doesn’t mean that good health insurance is impossible.

Put together by a health insurance agency in Lawton, OK, here are some health insurance tips for self employed individuals that can help you find the right coverage at a price you can afford.

Health Insurance Tips for Self Employed Individuals

If you are self employed and you need to find health insurance, here are some tips to help you avoid the obstacles and find coverage that works for you.

Check out the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The ACA was passed in 2010 as a means of helping more Americans get health insurance. With the ACA came the development of insurance marketplaces or exchanges where individuals and families can find affordable healthcare insurance options. Not only are ACA plans designed to be affordable, but they are also more inclusive. There is no penalty for pre-existing conditions, and all plans are required to cover:

  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalizations
  • Outpatient care
  • Preventative care
  • Pediatric care (including oral and vision care)
  • Birth control
  • Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
  • Breastfeeding care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lab services

Plans under the ACA are divided into four categories – bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze plans are the least expensive, and platinum plans are the most expensive. Of course, the more expensive the plan is, the better coverage you have.

If the plan you want seems too expensive, you may qualify for a subsidy to help pay for your insurance costs. Many Americans qualify for tax credits that help offset the cost of monthly premiums. In many cases, the tax credits help significantly reduce monthly premiums or eliminate them completely.

See if You Qualify for Medicaid

Medicaid is another option that many independent contractors qualify for. The ACA expanded Medicaid coverage, making it available to even more people. If you make less than 138% of the federal poverty limit, you may qualify for Medicaid. You need to check the guidelines in your state.

See if You Qualify for COBRA Coverage

If you are leaving your job to become an independent contractor and you had insurance through your employer, you may qualify for COBRA continuation health coverage. There are laws that require an employer to extend your health benefits at a group rate for up to 18 months if you qualify.

Explore Trade Group or Professional Group Coverage

Most people don’t realize that trade associations and professional organizations sometimes offer assistance with health insurance. For example, the Freelancers Union offers coverage options under a group plan. Other industry-related groups may offer similar coverage for members.

Talk to an Independent Insurance Agent

If you are newly self employed and you are looking into health insurance options, one of the best things you can do is talk to an independent insurance agent. Unlike insurance companies or exchanges, an independent agent works for you. Their goal is to help you identify your health insurance needs and budget, and find options that fit both.

Independent agents can often find discounts or tax credits that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Working with an agent can also reduce your stress as you search for the right plan.

The post Health Insurance Tips for Self Employed Individuals appeared first on Women Daily Magazine.



source https://www.womendailymagazine.com/health-insurance-tips-for-self-employed-individuals/

Commentaires

Enregistrer un commentaire

Posts les plus consultés de ce blog

Little Known Ways To Extract Benefits From Cannabidiol

Image
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the moment most predominant of the dynamic fixings of cannabis (marijuana). Whereas CBD is a basic component of medical cannabis, it is inferred straightforwardly from the hemp plant, which may be a cousin of the pot plant. CBD is promptly reachable in most parts of the United States, in spite of the fact that its correct lawful status is in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with changing degrees of limitation. And whereas the government still considers CBD within the same lesson as pot, it doesn’t continually implement it. Hand holding bottle of Cannabis oil against Marijuana plant, CBD oil pipette In December 2015, the FDA facilitated the administrative necessities to permit analysts to conduct CBD trials. As of now, numerous individuals get CBD online without a restorative cannabis permit. Benefits you can get Numerous individuals utilize CBD oil for pain and to soothe torment. Understanding CBD can offer assistance to overcome t...
Lire la suite

The Impacts CBD Has On You And Your Body

Image
CBD is one way to beat common health problems or reduce symptoms that might be affecting you and getting in the way of everyday life. There are lots of ways CBD can impact your body, the main ones being relaxation and reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help with muscle inflammation, headaches, improve your skin, and much more. CBD comes from the cannabis plant and it is one of the many cannabinoids that can be found in the plant. You might have also heard of THC as well, another cannabinoid that has helped users to stay calm and relaxed. CBD works by interacting with receptors in the central nervous system that consequently bring on a calming effect, therefore, it is commonly linked to feelings of well-being. You can invest in CBD in the form of oil, vape, edibles or creams. The most popular option is usually oil as it’s easy to carry around and use a few drops whenever you feel you need it. For more trustworthy information about CBD and its benefits, you ca...
Lire la suite

Benefits Of Consuming CBD Oil That Helps Lead A Healthy Life

Image
CBD or cannabidiol is nothing but a chemical present in a plant named Cannabis Sativa. Much like many other plant extracts, CBD oil, too, comes with many medicinal properties. With several studies on CBD, the medical care field has found multiple benefits of using CBD.  Check the collection of all the best CBD oil brands to know more about the benefits of consuming CBD. Antidote For Stress and Anxiety Initial studies and research have revealed that CBD oil comes with a special capacity to tame depression and anxiety. With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, anxiety and stress have become inalienable. Consumption of CBD can reduce the extent and intensity of anxiety to a large extent. Therefore, it is also effective in restricting anxiety-driven health conditions. Therefore, to stay fresh all day without feeling anxious or stressed, the consumption of CBD can be a smart solution. Limiting PTSD Syndromes “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, also known as PTSD is a major trouble for m...
Lire la suite