Universal healthcare is a huge issue right now in the United States (U.S.) for a good reason. There are some Americans that really have trouble finding an insurance plan that they can afford.
The problem of finding affordable health insurance is a common one for the self-employed. Since they don't work for a large corporation, they may not be eligible for a group insurance plan.
Yet, having health insurance for yourself and your family is vital. Without health insurance, a single illness or medical procedure could spell financial ruin for your family.
The best health insurance deals are usually found under a group policy. Even then, health insurance is usually not cheap. (Our family pays over $600 a month to insure the four of us through the group plan offered by my husband's employer.)
If you're looking for health insurance options, then this post provides some ideas.
Disclaimer: I do not have experience with all of these programs, so I can't vouch for them. Use this article as a starting place to research your own options.
Here are some health insurance options for the self-employed to consider:
Join a Society
Usually, a better health insurance rate is available through a group health insurance plan. Some professional societies make group plans available to their members:
Get a Part-Time Job
Some part-time jobs offer full-time benefits. I actually know a few people who work a part-time job - not because they need the money - but, for the benefits.
This article at Careerbuilder.com lists some companies that offer benefits to part-time workers.
Go Back To School
Many colleges offer group health insurance plans for their full and part-time students.
Join the AARP
The AARP offers many benefits too its members, including some healthcare benefits. You can join the AARP if you are 50 years of age, or older. You do not have to be retired.
Explore Government Options
For certain eligible individuals, the United States government offers some healthcare programs:
- Medicare - If you are disabled, or over age 65, then you may be eligible for Medicare.
- Medicaid - For those with a low income.
State High Risk Pool
If you are having trouble finding healthcare insurance because you have a pre-existing condition, then you should check to see if your state sponsors a health insurance risk pool. Many U.S. states provide such pools for individuals who would otherwise not be eligible for health insurance.
More Reading About Health Insurance and Self-Employment
- From Freelance News, Health Insurance For The Self-Employed Freelancer
- From Web Worker Daily, Health Insurance Outlook for U.S. Soloists Not Entirely Awful
- From About.com, Where Can a Freelancer Find Health Insurance Coverage?
- From the New York Times, Friday's Links: Health Insurance for the Self-Employed.
What about you? Have you found a great healthcare option for the self-employed? Why not share it?
Leave a comment and let us know.
Thanks for posting this, I will be looking into it more!
Posted by: April | February 28, 2008 2:16 PM | Permalink to Comment