If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or working as a contractor, you already know how much freedom—and responsibility—comes with being your own boss. But when it comes to health insurance, it can feel like you’re left out in the cold, trying to figure it all out on your own.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to do it by yourself.
With the help of a health insurance broker, what feels confusing and overwhelming can actually become clear and manageable. Let’s break it down together.
What Are Your Options?
When you’re not getting insurance through an employer, your main options are:
A marketplace health plan (these are ACA plans, often with subsidies)
A private health insurance plan
The biggest difference? Cost—and whether or not you can qualify for premium tax credits to lower your monthly premium.
How Tax Credits Work (And Why They Matter)
If you’ve never heard of a premium tax credit, you’re not alone. Here’s the gist:
Your eligibility is based on your estimated household income for the year you’re applying for coverage. The lower your income, the more help you could get. The higher your income, the less you’ll qualify for—though there is a cap.
Now, here’s the self-employed advantage: you might have tax write-offs that lower your adjusted gross income (AGI). That means you could qualify for more help paying for insurance than someone earning the same amount on a W-2.
When you’re figuring out your income, make sure it lines up as closely as possible with what you’ll report on your tax return. If you’re married, you’ll need to include your spouse’s income too—even if they aren’t applying for coverage.
Also worth noting: your ZIP code and how many people are in your household (even if they don’t need coverage) can affect how much help you qualify for.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Once you have a estimate of your income, you’re ready to get a quote from a broker. Here’s what you’ll need on hand:
Full names, birthdays, and Social Security numbers for anyone applying
Estimated household income for the year
Smoker/non-smoker status
Address and contact info
Job or income details
Info on other household members (even if they don’t need coverage)
This info helps make sure your application is done correctly and avoids surprises at tax time. It also helps your broker give you the most accurate quote.
Choosing a Plan (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be honest: comparing health plans can feel like drinking from a firehose. Deductibles, premiums, out-of-pocket maxes, networks—it’s a lot.
Here are a few questions I recommend asking yourself to make things easier:
How often do I go to the doctor?
Do I take any prescriptions regularly?
Are there specific doctors I want to keep?
What can I afford each month?
What could I afford if something unexpected happened?
Does this plan cover what I actually need?
These questions usually help narrow things down to just a couple of plans—and that makes the final decision a lot less stressful.
Why Work With a Broker?
This is where having a broker really makes a difference.
A good broker doesn’t just find you a plan—they take the time to understand your situation, help estimate your income, explain your options clearly, and make sure everything is submitted the right way.
And the best part? You don’t pay anything extra to work with one. We’re here to help you save money, avoid headaches, and feel confident about your coverage.
Final Thoughts
Being self-employed means you’ve chosen a path that offers freedom, flexibility, and independence. But it doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out alone—especially something as important as health insurance.
If you’re ready to get clarity, save money, and feel good about your coverage, reach out to a trusted broker. We’re here to walk you through it—step by step.
📍Lowe Insurance Agency
507 W Cheves St.
Florence, SC 29501
📞 Call Us: (843) 667-1315
🌐 Visit Us: http://loweins.com
📧 Email: derek@loweins.com
🔗 Follow Us on Facebook :
https://www.facebook.com/loweinsagency
Proudly serving Florence, SC and surrounding communities with trusted, licensed health insurance support.
