Finding good, cheap health insurance might be difficult if you’re among the 44 million self-employed Americans.
You may join a new health insurance plan during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 to December 15 each year.
You can also enroll if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married or having a kid.
Self-employed persons’ greatest health insurance options are inexpensive and provide adequate coverage, with low premiums and deductibles and a large provider network.
A good reputation and a simple claims procedure are important factors to consider when choosing a health insurance firm.
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Best Health Insurance for Freelancers
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue
Cross Blue Shield is the biggest competitor of Aetna, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare. The company has more than 68 million members, which means that they have one of the widest networks in the industry.
This large network gives you access to over 1 million doctors and 11,480 hospitals, but it also comes with a downside: their handbook is quite complex, which can be overwhelming.
Even though the company has so many members, they provide personalized assistance to their clients through a large team of dedicated benefits specialists.
When dealing with this health insurance provider, you will have the feeling that there’s always someone to help you solve your issues quickly and clearly.
Another advantage of Blue Cross Blue Shield is their multiple product lines. They have a variety of PPO plans, HMO plans, and EPO plans.
The company works with several hundred small businesses and groups, giving them an advantage over the competition regarding health insurance for self-employed persons.
This group has been in business since 1929 and has a wide network of providers. Members can access the network by paying the monthly premiums, which offer more coverage than an HSA plan or an FSA account.
This health insurance provider is currently offering plans in all 50 states and Washington D.C., making it accessible to most of its clients.
UnitedHealthcare
United Health care is one of the largest health insurance firms in the United States, with over 46 million members. Even though they are quite large, UHC has not forgotten how to deliver excellent service.
They have a centralized member services department that provides customer service representatives who can help you find an in-network provider or file a claim.
They’re not just about offering great service, though. UnitedHealthcare has an excellent track record for health care quality and wellness programs that improve the customer’s life.
They also offer a wide range of PPO plans that cover medical expenses and dental services.
Kaiser Permanente
This health insurance company is often praised by its customers for its excellent customer service and claims processing. They have a wide network of providers that can be accessed by paying the monthly premiums.
Even though this provider has so many members, they still provide personalized assistance to each client through their team of dedicated benefits specialists.
Kaiser Permanente’s reputation has allowed them to grow larger every year, with more than 11 million members in the United States.
They are specifically known for being one of the best health insurance providers for self-employed persons looking for low premiums and simple claims procedures.
UnitedHealthcare is also well known for its wide network of doctors and hospitals. Their plan is quite affordable and provides coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and vision services.
It also comes with a wellness program that allows you to quit smoking, lose weight or lower your blood pressure.
Most people will tell you that UnitedHealthcare is one of the best health insurance companies regarding the overall value for your money.
Cigna
When it comes to health insurance for freelancers, Cigna offers an excellent option that’s affordable and covers most medical expenses.
They have a large network of providers that can be accessed by paying the monthly premium. Even though they are one of the leading companies in this industry, their plans are still very similar to what you’ll find with other providers.
It’s important to mention that Cigna is not just about offering excellent health insurance for the self-employed.
The company also provides disability, dental and vision plans that can be purchased individually or as an overall package.
Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare offers one of the best health insurance plans for freelancers looking for high quality at an affordable price.
This company has over 3 million members, and they’re adding more new clients every day. Their low prices make them very attractive to small businesses that want to provide employees with comprehensive benefits without spending too much money.
Molina Healthcare has an excellent management team that focuses on customer service and access to care. They have a specific department dedicated to serving small employers who want to provide their employees with individual plans.
These plans are relatively inexpensive, but they still come loaded with benefits, including hospitalization, wellness programs, and even coverage for dental services.
Oscar
Oscar, a health insurance company, founded in 2012, is the youngest on our list. Oscar has been making waves with its innovative customer service model since it was established in 2012.
The firm does not currently have an AM Best rating or has received a 2.5 to 3.0 rating from NCQA.
Although the business is only accessible in a few states—Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee Texas, and Virginia – it offers comprehensive health insurance to more than 560 thousand individuals.
You may get quotes or sign up for a plan directly from Oscar’s website or over the phone. You may also purchase health insurance through your state’s exchange or Healthcare.gov.
The cost will vary depending on where you reside, the type of policy you select, your age, tobacco use, and family size.
The claims procedure is similar to those of other businesses. Your provider will submit a claim to Oscar, and the provider will provide an Explanation of Benefits describing how much you owe. Because it is an EPO, the business typically does not cover out-of-network claims.
For self-employed or gig economy professionals, there are a few characteristics about Oscar that may be beneficial. The company’s Doctor on Call service allows you to make calls for free, without restrictions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Concierge has a dedicated team of specialists and nurses to answer your questions and help you save money.
If you’re sick of lousy customer service, Oscar may be worth a try. You can use Doctor on Call or Concierge through the company’s mobile app, as well as easy access to your records, lab results, deductibles, and more as a member. The white-glove service of the firm might be particularly appealing to the self-employed.