6 Ways to Find Affordable Health Insurance If You’re Self-Employed

If you are a freelancer, it’s up to you to navigate the world of the health insurance alone. That can be a confusing and expensive journey. In fact, according to a 2016 study, 20% of the 55 million U.S freelancers are currently without health insurance. But, don’t tempt fate, instead use these 6 resources to find affordable health care.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Depending on how much you earn and the size of your household, you might qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), premium tax credits or other savings options through the Affordable Care Act. To see if you qualify, create an account and fill out an application to see what benefits you could receive.

2. Health Insurance Companies

Many health insurance companies, including Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, offer private health insurance plans for self-employed people. There are many coverage options and different price points to choose from. You should do your research and take your time. It’s important to find the right coverage plan to fit your lifestyle.

3. Health Insurance Brokers

Health insurance brokers like Stride and Gravie offer a variety of different health care plans, depending on your needs. You can quickly see all the types of coverage you are looking for, so it makes it easy to compare different plans.

Additionally, health insurance brokers don’t charge fees to customers, as they make money from the insurance companies that they represent instead.

4. Health Care Sharing Ministries

If you belong to a church, you can join a health care sharing ministry. These faith-based organizations distribute health care costs among members to help cut down on the cost of individual medical bills. “These organizations generally require members to make a promise to adhere to certain biblical values and to participate regularly in worship or prayers,” explains HealthInsurance.org.

Also, depending on the church’s beliefs you might not be able to get contraception through one of these schemes. Make sure you do your research before joining one.

5. Gig Service Companies

This is quite rare, but there are a few gig service companies that offer health benefits to freelancers that use their platforms. Care.com offers health insurance to professional caregivers, and Instacart just changed some of its contract workers to part-time employees so they can make good of health benefits.

6. Freelancer and Industry-Specific Advocacy Groups

You can also contact the Freelancers Union, which will connect you with affordable health coverage. Likewise, try finding leads to health insurance at industry-specific organizations. If you’re a writer go to the National Writers Union or the Professional Photographers of America if you are making a living from your camera.