SiteHealth insurance options for freelancers
There was a good post on health insurance options for freelancers posted yesterday at FreelanceSwitch. Some information that wasn’t included: if you’re in the U.S., check with your state’s insurance commission on programs for insuring a small business/sole proprietorship . Don’t just assume because you’re an independent contractor you can’t buy a group plan on your own. Here in Massachusetts, for many years I was able to purchase a group insurance policy covering my whole family through Blue Cross/Blue Shield because they issued policies to businesses with at least one full-time employee — and I was that employee.
Speaking of the Bay State, effective in July 2007, the Commonwealth mandated that all residents carry health insurance coverage or face tax penalties. Through Commonwealth Connector, residents can apply for low-cost, even free, health insurance coverage depending on annual income. Other states like California and Maine — even cities like San Francisco — are looking into universal health coverage programs, so keep an ear out for news.
Back in 1998, I was able to get my then live-in boyfriend covered on the group health insurance policy I had through my full-time job. This company happened to be incredibly forward-thinking at the time; all we had to do was get a notarized document saying we planned to be together in a life-long partnership — and p.s. same-sex partnerships were included. Ten years later, more companies have similar policies, which may be even more generous. For example, a roommate you’ve lived with for many years might be able to include you on his or her policy through their work. It’s worth asking.
You can also look into incorporating, which may make it easier for you to purchase a group policy in your state. I haven’t looked into this personally, but I do know some freelancers who’ve incorporated for tax benefits. It’s something to discuss with an accountant if health insurance is important to you.
Any other tips for insuring yourself as a freelancer? Add them to our comments section below! [db]
8 Responses to “Health insurance options for freelancers”
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Joanne Mason
Said this on April 30th, 2008 at 1:40pm:Diana,
Thanks for this info. Folks from Massachusetts might also find this link helpful:
http://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector/
It gives more info on Commonwealth Connector and issues specific to Massachusetts laws, individuals, and families.
Joanne
piper
Said this on April 30th, 2008 at 10:08pm:Thanks, D. The timing for this post couldn’t have been better for me – I decided today that it’s time to ditch the job with the health insurance.
Robert
Said this on May 1st, 2008 at 12:41am:Um, wow, I got mentioned on The Renegade Writer, what a great day!
DianaBurrell
Said this on May 1st, 2008 at 4:00pm:Yay Piper! Weirdly enough, I left the corporate world (and employer-paid health insurance) nine years ago yesterday — and I’ve never regretted the decision.
Allie
Said this on May 2nd, 2008 at 1:50pm:Ironically enough, I’m a freelance writer working for a health insurance provider
, so I’m relatively familiar with the process. The company I eventually decided to go with was Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York. I was thinking about other options, particularly Aetna, but I eventually found the Empire plan most to be more affordable for my own lifestyle. I hope this helps. One of the hardest parts of freelance work is finding a good plan… it takes a little research.
Susan Johnston
Said this on May 18th, 2008 at 8:23pm:Diana,
I just registered for coverage under the Mass. Health Connector, but none of the industry codes seemed to apply! Forestry worker? Textile manufacturer? How about freelance writer? I settled on “other professional, scientific and technical services,” but it seems silly that writers, journalists, and editors don’t have a code for themselves, but amusement park operators do!
Susan
Reiki
Said this on May 28th, 2008 at 9:43pm:It is clear, not just from this story, but that the entire country is under a similar health care crunch. It is amazing to me that even after many states have enacted “universal health care” so many americans are still struggling with health care. One of the biggest causes of this are illness, workers compensation issues, etc. where these people simply have no way of paying for health care costs. I think freelance writers deserve solid health care that will protect them when it is needed most.
John Williams
Said this on April 14th, 2009 at 3:49pm:I’m a freelance writer working for a health insurance provider