Health Insurance for Self-Employed Individuals: What 1099 Contractors Need to Know

March 12, 2025

Being self-employed gives you the freedom to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and grow your business on your terms. However, one challenge many freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers face is finding affordable health insurance. Unlike traditional employees who receive coverage through their employer, 1099 contractors must navigate the health insurance marketplace on their own.


At YourMedPlan, we specialize in helping self-employed professionals find the best health coverage that fits their budget, lifestyle, and healthcare needs. If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or gig worker, here’s everything you need to know about securing health insurance as a self-employed individual.

Do Self-Employed Individuals Qualify for ACA Health Insurance?

Yes! If you are self-employed and do not have employees, you qualify for individual health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. The ACA provides comprehensive health plans that cover essential benefits such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.


Here’s what self-employed individuals should consider when exploring their health insurance options:

1. Health Insurance Options for 1099 Contractors


A. ACA Marketplace Plans
The ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or state exchanges) offers a variety of individual and family plans that provide comprehensive coverage. You can shop for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans depending on your budget and healthcare needs.


  • Pre-existing conditions are covered
  • Essential health benefits (hospital care, prescriptions, maternity care, etc.)
  • Financial assistance available based on income


B. Health Savings Account (HSA)-Eligible Plans
If you prefer a lower monthly premium, you may opt for a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that allows you to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and funds can be used for qualified medical expenses.


C. Private or Off-Marketplace Plans
Some insurance companies offer private health plans outside the ACA Marketplace. These may have different network options, premiums, and benefits, but they do not qualify for government subsidies.



D. Association Health Plans
Certain professional associations or industry groups offer health coverage for self-employed individuals. If you belong to an organization like the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), you may qualify for discounted group rates.

2. Can Self-Employed Individuals Qualify for Health Insurance Subsidies?

Yes! Many 1099 contractors qualify for financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through the ACA Marketplace.


*YourMedPlan Insight: Many self-employed individuals overestimate their income, which can cause them to miss out on valuable subsidies. Our team can help you estimate your income correctly to ensure you receive the maximum savings on your health plan.

3. How to Enroll in Health Insurance as a 1099 Contractor


  1. Determine Your Budget & Needs – Consider how often you visit the doctor, need prescriptions, or require specialist care.
  2. Compare ACA Marketplace Plans – Review Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans to find the best coverage-to-cost balance.
  3. Check If You Qualify for Subsidies – Many self-employed individuals qualify for tax credits that lower their monthly premiums. 
  4. Enroll During Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) –
  5. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 – January 15 each year.
  6. If you’ve experienced a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., loss of coverage, marriage, relocation), you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). 



Get Expert Help – Health insurance can be complicated, but YourMedPlan makes it easy! Our advisors can help you find the right coverage at the best price.

4. . What If You Miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss Open Enrollment, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as:


  • Losing previous health coverage
  • Marriage, divorce, or having a baby
  • Moving to a new state


If you don’t qualify for an SEP, you may consider short-term health insurance as a temporary solution until the next enrollment period.

5. Additional Health Coverage for Self-Employed Individuals

In addition to major medical insurance, 1099 contractors may benefit from ancillary coverage, including:


  •  Dental & Vision Insurance – Helps cover routine care, exams, and corrective procedures.
  • Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Plans – Provides financial protection for unexpected medical emergencies.
  • Disability Insurance – Replaces lost income if you're unable to work due to injury or illness.


At YourMedPlan, we help self-employed professionals customize coverage to fit their lifestyle, budget, and healthcare needs.

Get Expert Guidance on Health Insurance for 1099 Contractors

Navigating health insurance as a self-employed individual can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At YourMedPlan, we specialize in helping 1099 contractors, freelancers, and gig workers find affordable, comprehensive coverage through the ACA Marketplace and other health plan options.


📞 Call us today at +1 (855) 376-3186 or visit YourMedPlan.com to explore your options and enroll in the right plan for you.


Don’t wait—protect your health and financial future with the right coverage today!

Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025: A Guide for Those Turning 65

March 12, 2025
Turning 65 is a major milestone, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right Medicare plan . For many new enrollees, Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an attractive option, offering all-in-one coverage that includes hospital, medical, and often prescription drug benefits.  If you’re approaching your Medicare eligibility and wondering what your options are for 2025 , this guide will help you understand the key features of Medicare Advantage plans , how to choose the best one for your needs, and how YourMedPlan can provide expert guidance during the enrollment process.

Qualifying Life Events: When You Can Enroll in a New ACA Health Plan

March 12, 2025
Life is full of changes, and some of these changes can impact your health insurance needs. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace has a set Open Enrollment Period each year, certain Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) allow you to enroll in or change your health insurance plan outside of that window. Understanding these life events can help ensure that you and your family have the coverage you need when you need it. At YourMedPlan , we specialize in helping individuals navigate the ACA Marketplace and find the best health insurance options tailored to their needs. If you've recently experienced a Qualifying Life Event , you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) —allowing you to enroll in a new plan outside of the standard Open Enrollment timeframe.

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan for 2025

By Chaney Jassmann • November 27, 2024
As we move through the annual enrollment period, millions of Americans are making crucial decisions about their health insurance for 2025. Whether you’re considering Medicare Advantage options or individual plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), selecting the right plan requires more than just comparing premiums. At YourMedPlan, we’re here to guide you through the process, helping you find coverage that meets both your health and financial needs. Why Price Isn’t Everything While $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans and ACA tax credits may be tempting, focusing solely on premiums can lead to high deductibles, unexpected out-of-pocket costs, or limited provider networks. To make an informed choice, it’s essential to evaluate these critical factors: 1. Deductibles: Know the Costs Upfront Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for covered services before your insurance kicks in. Low-premium plans often come with high deductibles, which can exceed $1,000 for individuals or several thousand for families. YourMedPlan Tip: Understanding how deductibles apply—whether for routine care or specialist visits—is crucial. Our advisors can help you navigate these details and choose a plan that minimizes your financial risk. 2. Copays vs. Deductibles: What’s the Difference? Copays are fixed fees for specific services, like doctor visits, and usually don’t count toward your deductible. Balancing these costs is key to managing your healthcare budget. YourMedPlan Tip: Our team can help you calculate both copays and deductibles to ensure your plan works for your financial and medical needs. 3. Provider Networks: Stay Covered Many insurance plans limit coverage to specific networks of doctors and hospitals. Seeking care outside the network can lead to higher costs or no coverage at all. YourMedPlan Tip: Let us verify whether your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network, so you can avoid surprises and stay covered even in emergencies. 4. Prescription Drug Coverage: Plan Ahead Each insurance plan includes a formulary, or a list of covered medications, grouped into cost tiers. The tier of your medication determines how much you’ll pay out of pocket. YourMedPlan Tip: Not sure if your prescriptions are covered? We’ll review your plan’s formulary and explore cost-saving options like discount programs or alternatives. 5. Coinsurance: The Often Overlooked Cost Coinsurance is the percentage of medical bills you pay after meeting your deductible. Plans with lower premiums often have higher coinsurance rates, which can add up for expensive treatments. For instance, a $25,000 medical bill with a $1,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance could leave you responsible for $5,800. YourMedPlan Tip: Our experts can help you calculate potential coinsurance costs and find a plan that balances affordable premiums with manageable out-of-pocket expenses. 6. Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Your Safety Net Once you reach your plan's out-of-pocket maximum, insurers cover 100% of your in-network, covered care. For ACA marketplace plans in 2025, these caps are $9,200 for individuals and $18,400 for families. YourMedPlan Tip: Understanding how out-of-pocket maximums reset annually is key to planning your healthcare expenses. We’ll help you prepare and avoid surprises. YourMedPlan: Your Partner in Health Insurance As you evaluate your health insurance options, let us be your trusted partner. Navigating deductibles, provider networks, and cost-sharing can be complex, but our advisors simplify the process and provide year-round support. We can assist with: Comparing plans and premiums Reviewing provider networks and prescription drug coverage Breaking down deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Identifying savings opportunities, including tax credits and discounts Our goal is to ensure you select the best plan for your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your coverage. Get Started Today As you consider your health insurance options for 2025, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact YourMedPlan to schedule a consultation and get expert insurance recommendations tailored to your healthcare needs. Let’s find the perfect plan together!