Now more than ever before, our health is at the forefront of our minds. And this makes sense, considering the year we just had.
As a result, new trends in health insurance options (especially for self-employed individuals) are rising.
From an increase of telehealth services to an expansion of mental health options, insurance plans are adapting to meet Americans’ needs.
Self-employed individuals and small business owners can find suitable plans for themselves and their employees.
But with these new trends in health insurance options comes questions about what plans are best for your situation.
To help you navigate through the process, know what options are available and how to determine if you qualify.
Health Insurance Options For Small Business Owners
Let’s look at the different health insurance options for small business owners first.
There are a lot of options – especially for small business owners. If you can’t afford these expensive health options, you can access more flexible solutions (especially with Diana’s network).
To have a group plan, you need at least 2 full-time employees. With Diana, you can access custom plans in the form of a group.
BlueCross Blue Shield
Providers like BlueCross Blue Shield offer a wide range of plans depending on the size of your business. Their BlueCard PPO option is in-network with 96% of U.S. hospitals and 95% of American physicians. They have also received high ratings from organizations like J.D. Power.
This option – depending on the number of employees and type of coverage – may be out of your budget.
Humana
Humana plans are an excellent choice for your employees if customer service is one of your top priorities. In 2020, the insurance company was ranked Number One for customer service by Newsweek.
In addition to an expansive network, Humana has tailored plans for business owners that takes into account your goals, scale, and desired services. Some of their plans offer lower premiums, while others eliminate copays and deductibles.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Humana is not available in every state in the US. To qualify for their options, you would have to be in a state they service.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare differs from other health insurance companies in the emphasis they place on technology. They offer telehealthcare so your employees can check in with a physician and receive prescriptions through their mobile device or PC.
Once you choose a plan, your employees can often modify their coverage to fit their budget and healthcare needs.
Something to consider is whether you or an employee has pre-existing conditions. If so, you may have to look elsewhere for coverage to ensure everyone can access health insurance options.
So to ensure that you and your team are receiving the best options available, schedule some time to talk with Diana to explore your unique situation. Start to compare options with a specialist today.
Health Insurance Options For Self-Employed Individuals
If you’re self-employed, Diana offers great and affordable plans that can either sustain your self-employment or get you through temporary unemployment.
What Is The Affordable Care Act & Why Does It Matter To Self-Employed Individuals?
The Affordable Care Act is a government-sponsored healthcare program.
Recently, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into effect that opened enrollment into ACA health insurance options to more individuals.
Typically, there is a window of time where individuals can enroll in government health insurance plans. The American Rescue Plan Act extends the enrollment time frame and qualifies more individuals for health insurance.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for tax credits through ACA plans – regardless of pre-existing health conditions.
You Can Now Access Affordable Care Act Subsidies
The American Rescue Plan bill provides tax subsidies for those with health insurance plans from the ACA.
Before 2021, only individuals who met certain income criteria were given these premium tax credits, or what’s also called PTC, but now you may qualify for these subsidies as well.
PTCs are refundable credits that help individuals and families pay for the premiums of their ACA health insurance plan.
What About Government Health Insurance And Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you have a chronic health condition such as asthma or diabetes, health insurance plans on state enrollment programs can’t deny you coverage because of any pre-existing health condition.
If you want to take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period into ACA plans and find an option that suits your needs, contact Diana Reeves. An agent who understands how to navigate the enrollment process and considers your unique circumstances to help you find or customize a plan for quality coverage.
If you own a small business, recent health insurance trends are making it easier to find custom plans for you and your employees.
Health Insurance Tax Benefits For Self-Employed Individuals
If you’re self-employed, you may qualify for deductions on premiums you pay for your medical and dental insurance coverage.
On the first page of your 1040 Form, you can write off taxes you pay on health insurance expenses even if you choose not to itemize your deductions.
Deducting your insurance premiums this way will actually lower your adjusted gross income. Consequently, it will help you remain eligible for additional tax breaks.
However, to claim these deductions, you nor your spouse can be eligible for an employer-subsidized health plan for the month’s taxes you’re writing off. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor and experience a tax loss for the year, or your business doesn’t generate positive income, your deductions must not exceed the income you earn from your business.
If you use long-term care, your deductions depend on your age. But every self-employed individual from their 20’s all the way up to over 70 years of age qualifies for a tax deduction on long-term care.
Talk To Diana Reeves About Your Health Insurance Options
Although exploring all the health insurance options available can feel like a daunting task, Diana Reeves is here to help you decide which option would best suit your circumstances. Every self-employed individual can find a viable solution to their healthcare needs. And small business owners can provide their employees with quality options while new health insurance trends are taking place. Contact Diana today to get started.
