GET INSURED NOW:HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR WORK-AT-HOMERS

Posted by Tisha Tolar on December 16, 2009

If you’re self-employed, or considering it, one of the most common questions you can expect to hear is “But what about insurance?” Not to worry. There are numerous health insurance options available for work-at-homers. Although it can be a bit daunting, you can find the type of coverage you need if you do a little research. Organizations like the National Association for the Self-Employed and other groups targeted at sole proprietors can help with navigating the waters of health care coverage.

Not everyone needs the same type of coverage. If you’re young, single, and healthy, you may be happy with a minimal plan with a higher deductible, while someone who is older, has a few health issues, or has a family to insure would need a more comprehensive plan.

The most common coverage options for the self-employed are:

Purchase a Plan

There are a number of health insurance providers who offer programs to sole proprietors and small business owners with less than 5 employees. AssurantHealth is one of the most well-known programs. Websites like SelfEmployed.com can provide free online quotes from the larger insurance carriers such as Blue Cross, Humana, and Aetna to give an idea of your projected costs, which will vary depending on your age, overall health, and the level of coverage you purchase.

COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act was devised by the federal government as a short-term solution for those who do not have insurance. Coverage is available to those who have been laid off or terminated from a job for up to 18 months after you leave your job.

Union Programs

Organizations like the Freelancer’s Union and the APWU (American Postal Workers Union) offer plans to their members that vary depending on the person’s age and overall health. Conduct an internet search for your industry to see if there is a relevant program.

Chamber of Commerce

Several Chambers of Commerce across the country have lower membership rates for sole proprietors and offer some kind of group health insurance program as a huge draw for members.

A large percentage of self-employed individuals rely on a spouse’s coverage if it’s available. A few states, like Massachusetts, offer low-to-no-cost health insurance programs to the self-employed, but these programs have not yet been widely implemented by most states. And other self-employed folks also choose to go without any coverage; even a bare-bones coverage plan can help with unforeseen emergencies. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and any type of coverage plan can be a huge lifesaver—literally.

Sara Hodon is a freelance writer based in Northeast Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in History, Harrisburg, WritersWeekly.com, and WOW Women on Writing, among others. She is also the weekly “Date and Relate” columnist for Online Dating Magazine. Read more about her trials and triumphs in the writing life at Adventures in the Writing Life.