Self-employed people usually choose between an ACA marketplace plan (best if you qualify for a subsidy or have ongoing health needs), a health sharing or copay + health sharing plan like MightyWELL (often the lowest monthly cost for healthy people, from $315 a month), and, once you have employees, a group plan or a CHOICE Arrangement where the business gives each employee a tax-free allowance.
Freelancers and solo business owners
When you work for yourself, you pay the whole premium, and your income can swing enough to change your subsidy from year to year. Start by estimating next year's income on HealthCare.gov: if the subsidy is large, a marketplace plan may be your best value.
If it isn't, a MightyWELL plan is usually the lower monthly cost. An individual aged 18–45 pays $315 a month with a $5,000 unshared amount, and $389 from age 46. You get $0 preventive care, set copays for everyday visits, $0 virtual urgent care and ShareWELL health sharing for big bills. You can join any month, which helps if you go out on your own mid-year. See every price.
A note on taxes: health sharing contributions generally aren't treated like insurance premiums, so they may not be deductible the way premiums are. Ask your tax professional.
Gig workers and 1099 contractors
Income that changes month to month makes predictable costs valuable. A plan with set copays means a doctor visit costs the same whether it's a good month or a slow one, and you can cancel any time if you take a job with benefits.
Using an HSA
If you want to save for healthcare with pre-tax dollars, MightyWELL also offers HSA-qualified bundles. Learn how the Health Savings Account triple tax advantage works, then request a quote for an HSA-eligible plan.
Once you have employees
Small businesses have two good paths:
- A group plan. MightyWELL offers group health benefits for employers of any size, with predictable pricing and simple administration. See group options.
- A CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA). The business sets a tax-free monthly allowance and each employee picks their own plan. Costs are fixed for you and flexible for them. How CHOICE works.
Owners often start on an individual plan and move the whole team to a group or CHOICE Arrangement as they hire. Either way, you can get a quote in minutes.
Not sure health sharing fits your situation? Read who it fits and who it doesn't, or see all the alternatives compared.
Common questions
What is the best health plan for a self-employed person?
It depends on income and health. With a large subsidy or ongoing health needs, an ACA marketplace plan is usually best. Healthy people paying full price often save with a copay + health sharing plan like MightyWELL, from $315 a month.
Can a one-person business get a group plan?
Most group plans need at least one employee besides the owner, so solo owners usually start on an individual plan and move to a group plan or CHOICE Arrangement as they hire. Call us to check your situation.
Can I pair MightyWELL with an HSA?
Yes, with an HSA-qualified bundle. Request a quote for an HSA-eligible plan, and open the account through MightyWELL's banking partner.
MightyWELL plans are not insurance. ShareWELL is a health care sharing community, not insurance, and sharing is not guaranteed. Prices are monthly estimates for the Concierge bundle; final pricing is confirmed at enrollment.
