Florida Self Employed Health Insurance
If you're a Florida-based freelancer, entrepreneur, or self-employed worker who makes more than half of their income from self-employment or freelance work in Florida, you'll need to enroll in Florida Self Employed Health Insurance. But before we get into why this is so important and the how tos—let's first take a look at what sets these plans apart from regular group insurance plans.
Regular group health insurance plans are designed for employees who rarely work at home (and just a few hours each week) but have full time jobs (35+ hours per week). This means that group plans are usually not the best option for those who have small businesses or freelancers.
On the other hand, self-employed health insurance plans are designed differently from regular group health insurance plans. Varying from state to state, these plans can be more flexible and portable, since they allow you to have more control in how and when your coverage starts. With Florida Self Employed Health Insurance, you decide when and how much you want your coverage to begin or end. This means you can start out with a a small amount of coverage, then use the money you saved to purchase more coverage if you need it later on.
While Florida Self Employed Health Insurance has much greater flexibility in terms of when and how to enroll, it also comes with its own set of restrictions. To begin with, these plans are not available to part-time workers or seasonal workers. They also do not cover dependents, travel outside the U.S., or cover too many categories of medical care. For these reasons and more, this kind of plan is not designed for everyone who knows they'll be self-employed or freelance their whole lives.
The bottom line is that Florida Self Employed Health Insurance is still your best bet if you'll be a long-term freelancer who makes half or more of their income from freelance work in Florida. This type of plan also tends to be less expensive and easier for small business owners to manage than a group health insurance plan, which is great news for the self-employed and small business owners throughout the state of Florida.
How do I get my coverage?
Once you've decided to enroll in a Florida Self Employed Health Insurance Plan, the next step is to find an insurance company or agent that offers plans in your area. This can be done on your own or by contacting the Florida Health Choices Office, who offer free help every step of the way. If you go with a state-approved insurance agent or broker, they will be able to help you find the plan that best meets your specific needs.
Another option is to use the internet to search for and compare self-employed health insurance plans in Florida. You'll usually want to look for options that have low premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs, so you can save money if you don't have any big medical bills throughout the year (or throughout a given month).
Just make sure you read the fine print on each plan (and always compare plans from at least 2-3 different insurance companies.) This will make it easier to find a plan that best suits your needs and helps you avoid any unpleasant surprises during your next annual exam.
Related: Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Florida
What's next?
The state of Florida offers a variety of guides, FAQs, and tips for those who are self-employed and considering their health insurance options. You can view any of these resources by using the links below. Remember that you'll be able to apply for coverage if you find a Florida-approved health insurance agent or broker.
Florida Self Employed Health Insurance FAQs
Florida Self-Employed Health Insurance Plan Fact Sheet [PDF]
The State of Florida's Self-Employed Health Insurance Program Application [PDF]
How to Enroll in the State of Florida's Medicaid HMO Plan for Self-Employed Individuals [PDF]
How to Enroll in the State of Florida's Lifetime HMO Plan for Self-Employed Individuals [PDF]
How to Enroll in the State of Florida's Lowest Cost Commercial HMO Plan for Self- Employed Individuals [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Alameda County Residents: F-1 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Alachua County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Brevard County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Broward County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Collier County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Palm Beach County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Orange County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Osceola County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Seminole County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Unemployed and Volusia County Residents: F-2 Visa Holders. [PDF]
Information for Parents of Unemployed Children [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Non-Citizen Widow(er)s and Children in Florida. [PDF]
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Non-Citizen Family Members in Florida. [PDF]
Florida Health Choices: How to Apply for Coverage as a Self-Employed Individual. [PDF]
How to Apply for Coverage as an Employee or Business Owner in the State of Florida.
Conclusion
If you're living in the state of Florida and are self-employed or a freelancer, you can enroll in Florida Self Employed Health Insurance. You don't need to be a small business owner to qualify, nor do you have to be a US citizen. You only need to meet the state's income requirements or prove that you are self-employed and not eligible for coverage through an employer.
Applying for coverage as a Florida Self Employed Individual is simple and easy, as there are numerous different ways to enroll. With so many options available throughout the state, there's no reason why anyone who is self employed should be denied the protection they need to stay healthy and happy while providing for themselves and their families.