Return

Supporting Family Health When You’re Self-Employed: What Are Your Options?

Self-Employed

Alternative Health Options for Freelancers and Small Business Owners

Beyond ACA plans, some choose health-sharing ministries or membership-based group programs. Health-sharing isn’t insurance, it’s a system where members contribute monthly to a shared fund that helps pay others’ medical bills.

Pros:

• Often lower monthly costs
• Some coverage for major medical events

Cons:

• No legal obligation to pay claims
• May not cover pre-existing conditions or routine care
• Not regulated like insurance

Another option is joining a group benefits provider, like AIBC, that offers self-employed healthcare plans. These often bundle coverage types, medical, dental, and vision, at rates similar to small group plans, with added wellness support.

Combine an HSA with a High-Deductible Plan for Flexibility

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a smart option for many self-employed families.

Here’s how it works:

• You choose a plan with a higher deductible and lower monthly premium
• You open an HSA and contribute pre-tax dollars
• Funds can be used for qualified medical expenses, including family care, prescriptions, and even eyeglasses

Benefits:

• Contributions are tax-deductible
• Funds roll over from year to year
• Withdrawals for medical use are tax-free

For medical coverage for self-employed individuals, HSAs offer both flexibility and long-term savings potential, especially if your family is relatively healthy but wants a cushion for bigger needs.

Don’t Overlook Dental, Vision, and Mental Health for Families

Comprehensive health includes more than just medical insurance. Families also need access to dental care, vision services, and mental health support.

Options include:

• Discount dental/vision programs
• Low-cost supplemental plans for orthodontics, glasses, or specialist visits
• Telehealth services for therapy and counseling

These are often not included in basic medical plans but are easy to add through group benefit programs like AIBC. Kids’ dental visits, braces, and therapy sessions can quickly add up. Including these services in your planning improves both care and budgeting.

HRAs Can Help You Reimburse Family Health Costs Tax-Free

If you operate a solo or micro-business, consider using a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) to cover family healthcare expenses.

How it works:

• You set aside funds as the business owner to reimburse your own (and your family’s) insurance premiums or out-of-pocket costs
• Funds are tax-free to you and deductible for your business
• You must provide documentation and stay compliant with IRS rules

For those with a spouse and dependents, QSEHRAs offer a flexible, tax-efficient way to manage rising costs. It’s one of the lesser-known but powerful health insurance options for self-employed families.

Get Help Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family

You don’t have to sort through this alone. A licensed health insurance broker can walk you through your state’s plan options, compare providers, and help identify savings opportunities like subsidies or child-only plans.

Most brokers are free to use (paid by providers) and are licensed to explain plan differences clearly. They also stay up-to-date on changing ACA rules and enrollment deadlines.

This is especially helpful for healthcare support for gig workers and solo entrepreneurs managing benefits without an HR department.

Protecting Your Family’s Health as a Self-Employed Professional

Healthcare for self-employed families can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. From ACA marketplace plans to HRAs, group memberships, and HSAs, some options provide real support at manageable costs.

Start by reviewing your income and healthcare needs. Use available tools to compare coverage and estimate costs. And remember: organizations like AIBC offer access to benefits designed specifically for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners with families.

Your family’s health is a priority, and can be affordable with the right plan.

Quick Checklist: Choosing the Right Health Plan for Your Family

Step	Why It Matters
Confirm your total annual income	Determines ACA subsidy eligibility
List dependents and unique care needs	Avoid under- or over-coverage
Compare ACA and group plan pricing	Evaluate flexibility and value
Explore dental/vision/mental health add-ons	These are often not bundled
Review HSA or HRA compatibility	Tax savings help reduce actual costs
Talk to a licensed broker or advisor	Saves time and avoids errors

Prices and plans change yearly, so recheck your options every open enrollment!

Return

---