Freedom to work where you want, when you want, and how you want: all benefits of being a freelancer or independent consultant. Some potential benefits that traditional full-time work opportunities provide that independent consultants don’t get without careful thought (at least not here in the United States)? Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and insurance, which includes health insurance.
As a self-employed individual, you should be factoring the amount of time off you want to take per year into your rates. As for insurance, you’ll need to do some research on what’s available in your locality (and what’s required). Some insurances you may need are professional, life (whole or term), disability, and health.
Finding Health Insurance
If you’re a self-employed individual, like a freelance writer or an editor, unless you have a legal partner in the States that has health insurance, you’re likely on your own to figure out how to get covered. The Health Insurance Marketplace is an available option for many (though not for all in every situation). People seeking insurance need to enroll during open enrollment, which is from the beginning of November through mid-January. During this time, self-employed individuals in the US have the opportunity to obtain insurance or find out how to get it in their state via the Health Insurance Marketplace. Outside that timeframe, you’ll need to qualify for special enrollment.
The Affordable Care Act in the United States
In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted. This act enabled the Health Insurance Marketplace, which opened up insurance to those who were previously disqualified for reasons such as “preexisting conditions”—and it is a viable option for freelance editors and writers in the United States.
Open enrollment for the Marketplace is typically between November 1 of the current year through January 15 of the following year, with a deadline of December 15 of the current year for enrollment by January 1 of the following year.
Healthcare.gov marks the following important dates:
- November 1: Open Enrollment starts for health coverage for the next plan year — first day you can enroll in, re-enroll in, or change health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
- December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
- January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
- January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a
- February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.
(Source: healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines).
Other Possibilities
Sometimes, life happens, and you may lose coverage outside the dates above. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a special enrollment option for certain atypical situations, such as, for example, moving to the United States or a change in legal marital status.
If you are looking for other options, take a look at some professional organizations or college alumni associations. For example, the Freelancers Union may provide a solution for you.
Why Have Health Insurance?
Having health insurance is an important safeguard for your business, as taking care of yourself is essential—if you are out of commission, so is your business.
Wishing you good health,
Rita
P.S. Working from home and feeling a bit stiff and achy? Then you may want to check out how to add movement throughout your day. (Of course, we all have different levels of physical and mental ability. Please share what works for you—maybe somebody in a similar boat could benefit!)
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Disclaimer: I am not a health insurance agent, medical provider, or expert on any health-related or insurance-related matters. This post is purely based on my opinion, personal experience, and personal situation. For specific advice on health insurance, please seek advice from appropriate agencies and organizations, such as HealthCare.gov for those in the United States. All of what is available, required, and recommended depends on where you live. This opinion is based on living in the United States.