Many people receive their health insurance through their employer. However, if you own your own business or are self-employed, then you might not have this coverage option unless you get a policy yourself. While getting health insurance for your own business might seem complicated, it does not have to be overwhelming.
Self-employed Americans who want quality health insurance have to consider several different questions when searching for coverage. However, by working with an experienced agent, you’ll be able to pinpoint the policy that will always be to your greatest benefit.
How should I set up my health plan if I am self-employed?
If you are self-employed, then you still need health insurance. However, you won’t be able to get a plan through another employer. After all, you are your own boss.
To get your health benefits, you’ll have to be the person who buys the policy. This might be a single-issue policy that you use to cover you and your family. Or, if you are a business owner who has employees who work under you, then you might purchase a group benefits policy in which all employees (yourself included) can participate.
It is important to carefully weigh your personal circumstances to determine how best to structure your health benefits. Here are some of the important things to consider:
- Depending on the number of people you want to insure, and their relationship to you, the type of plan you need might vary. For example, you might need an individual policy if you only want to cover yourself. However, if you have a family to insure as well, then you might need a family health plan. Different insurers might offer better plan options depending on the circumstances.
- Some health plans offer tax benefits. By buying one of these policies, a self-employed individual might be able to write off this expense when they file their taxes.
- You’ll want to get coverage that enables you to receive care in your particular area. Therefore, you will want a plan with a provider network that allows you to receive services you need from a provider of your choice.
- If you need to buy coverage to receive dental, vision or prescription drug benefits, then ask your agent the best way to add this coverage into your plan.
- Your plan will likely include deductibles, which are costs of care that you have to pay on your own before your plan will pay. Therefore, choose a deductible that you can afford to pay.
Your insurance agent is happy to help you determine your qualifications for a particular health plan, and compare the benefits and prices offered by numerous policies. In the end, they can help you determine both what coverage you need and which plans offer the best savings for your business.