Freelancer, contractor, or business owner? We compare private PPO and ACA Marketplace plans side by side, so you can see what each really costs before you commit. Free to get a quote.
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Short form, then your options side by side.
Plans and prices depend on where you live, so that's all we ask first.
Who needs coverage, plus a name and phone number so we know where to send your options.
We compare Marketplace and private plans across carriers, then walk you through the tradeoffs.
Every trade has its own income pattern and its own questions. Here's what we look at first for each.
There's no single best plan for everyone who works for themselves. Here's what's on the table.
Cover essential health benefits, accept everyone regardless of health history, and may come with income-based savings.
Broad provider choice and flexible benefits. They are medically underwritten, so eligibility and price depend on your health.
If you have employees, we also look at small group plans and what makes sense for you as the owner.
Stand-alone or add-on coverage, so checkups and glasses don't come out of pocket.
Three things that trip people up, in plain English.
ACA savings are based on the income you expect to earn this year. Estimate too high and you may leave savings on the table. Estimate too low and you may owe money back at tax time. We help you think through a realistic number, and your tax professional should confirm it. Read our full guide.
Marketplace plans accept everyone. Private PPO plans may ask health questions and can decline you, exclude certain conditions, or price you differently. If you're healthy, they can be a strong fit. If you're not sure, we show you both.
Marketplace plans generally need the annual open enrollment period or a qualifying life event, which usually opens a 60-day window. Private plans aren't tied to that window, so you may be able to start sooner.
Self-employed income rarely follows a straight line. That makes the Marketplace harder to plan around, and it is one reason many people compare a private plan before they decide.
Premium help is based on the income you expect to earn for the whole year. When your earnings swing from month to month, a realistic estimate is hard to make, and it can shift every quarter.
If you earn more than you estimated, you may have to pay back some or all of the premium help when you file. A slow year can go the other way. Your tax professional can help you judge how much risk you are taking.
Private PPO premiums are not based on your income, so there is no estimate to get wrong and no premium help to repay after a good year. They do ask health questions, so we compare both side by side.
Many self-employed people can deduct health insurance premiums for themselves and their family on their tax return, which can lower taxable income. Rules and limits apply, so confirm with your tax professional.
If a strong year pushes you above the income limit, the Marketplace price is the full price. See how that compares with a private plan on our high income, no subsidy page.
We look at your best month and your slowest one, your doctors, and the most you could pay in a bad year, then show what each option costs in both. How to estimate your income.
Straight answers to what people ask us most.
It depends on your age, county, the type of plan, and your income estimate if you qualify for Marketplace premium help. We run your real numbers side by side so you see the monthly price and what you'd pay in a bad year.
Yes. PPO plans are available to self-employed people. Private PPO plans ask health questions and can limit or exclude coverage, so we compare them with Marketplace plans.
Yes. You don't need an employer or a business entity to buy individual coverage. Self-employed people can choose an ACA Marketplace plan, which may include income-based savings, or a private PPO plan. We compare both so you can see the real tradeoffs.
Many self-employed people can deduct health insurance premiums, but the rules depend on your situation. We're insurance agents, not tax advisors, so please confirm with your tax professional.
It's very common. ACA savings are based on your estimated income for the year, so a realistic estimate matters. We help you think it through, and compare Marketplace pricing against private plans so you're not guessing.
Premium help is based on your expected income for the full year, and self-employed earnings change month to month. A good estimate is hard to make, and you can update it on your Marketplace account whenever your numbers change.
It is possible. If you earned more than you estimated, you may have to repay some or all of the premium help when you file your taxes. Your tax professional can tell you how much that could be for your situation.
Many self-employed people can deduct health insurance premiums for themselves and their family on their tax return. Limits and rules apply, so please confirm with your tax professional. We are insurance agents, not tax advisors.
Above the income limit you pay the full Marketplace price. In that case it is worth comparing it with a private PPO plan. We cover that on our high income, no subsidy page.
ACA Marketplace plans can't turn you down or charge more because of your health history. Private PPO plans may ask health questions and can decline, exclude conditions, or price differently. That's why we compare both before recommending anything.
ACA Marketplace plans generally require the annual open enrollment period or a qualifying life event, which usually opens a 60-day window. Private plans aren't tied to the same window, so you may be able to start sooner.
Nothing. You don't pay us a fee. If you enroll, the insurance carrier pays us, so getting quotes and comparing options is free.
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