If you are a freelancer, a gig worker, or a self-employed person, you may face some challenges when it comes to getting health insurance. You may not have access to employer-sponsored insurance, or you may find it too expensive or inadequate for your needs. You may also have irregular income, which can make it hard to budget for health care costs. But don’t worry, you have options. One of the best options for many freelancers and gig workers is an ACA plans, also known as Obamacare. In this blog post, we will explain how ACA plans work and how you can get one as a freelancer or gig worker.

What are ACA plans?

ACA plans are health insurance plans that meet the standards and requirements set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a law that aims to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans. ACA plans offer many benefits, such as:

• Covering essential health benefits, such as preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, maternity care, and more.
• Protecting you from being denied coverage or charged more based on your health status, gender, or pre-existing conditions.
• Providing financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, to lower your premium and out-of-pocket costs.
• Giving you access to a wide network of doctors, hospitals, and other providers.
• Covering COVID-19 testing and treatment without any cost-sharing.

How do I qualify for an ACA plan?

You can qualify for an ACA plan if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present immigrant.
• You are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or other public health insurance programs.
• You are not offered affordable and adequate health insurance by your employer or your spouse’s employer.

If you meet these criteria, you can get an ACA plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is an online platform where you can compare and shop for different plans. The Marketplace is open for enrollment from November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023. You can also get help from a licensed agent or broker, who can assist you with finding the best plan for your needs and budget.

How do I estimate my income as a freelancer or gig worker?

One of the challenges of getting an ACA plan as a freelancer or gig worker is estimating your income. Your income determines how much financial assistance you qualify for and how much you pay for your plan. However, your income may vary from month to month or year to year depending on your work situation.

To estimate your income, you can use the following methods:

• Use your tax return from the previous year as a baseline and adjust it based on any changes in your work situation.
• Use your monthly income from the current year and multiply it by 12 to get your annual income.
• Use an online calculator or tool that can help you project your income based on your work history and current contracts.

You should try to be as accurate as possible when estimating your income. If your income changes during the year, you should report it to the Marketplace as soon as possible. This way, you can avoid paying too much or too little for your plan and avoid any penalties or surprises at tax time.

How Freelancers and Gig Workers Get ACA Plans

We interviewed Maria, a 28-year-old graphic designer from California, who shared her thoughts and experiences with ACA plans in 2023. Maria has been working as a freelancer for the past four years and has been enrolled in an ACA plan for the past two years. Here is what she said:

How did you become a freelancer and why do you like it?

A: I became a freelancer after graduating from college. I wanted to have more freedom and flexibility in my work. I like being able to choose my own projects, set my own schedule, and work from anywhere. I also enjoy the variety and creativity of my work.

What are the challenges of being a freelancer, especially when it comes to health insurance?

One of the main challenges of being a freelancer is finding and affording health insurance. I don’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance, so I have to buy my own plan. It can be hard to find a plan that covers my needs and fits my budget. It can also be hard to estimate my income, which affects how much financial assistance I qualify for and how much I pay for my plan.

Would you recommend ACA plans to other freelancers or gig workers?

Yes, I would definitely recommend ACA plans to other freelancers or gig workers who are looking for quality and affordable health insurance. I think they are a great option for people who don’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance or who want more choices and flexibility.

We thanked Maria for her time and honesty and introduced her to DiskQuote, a website that offers rates on health insurance and Medicare plans from leading companies. We explained that DiskQuote collaborates with trusted companies to ensure that customers secure friendly rates. 

Note: The name of the interviewee has been changed to preserve her privacy.

Why choose DiskQuote for your ACA plan?

At DiskQuote, we work with the reliable Health Insurance and Medicare Companies to get you insurance prices. We can help you compare and enroll in an ACA plan that suits your budget and health goals.

If you are interested in getting an ACA plan for 2023, don’t wait until the last minute. Contact us today and let us help you find the best deal for your health insurance. Visit our contact page to fill out a simple form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!