Self-Employed

Affordable alternatives—without the tax hassle.

You work hard for yourself…

But when it comes to health insurance, it can feel like no one is working for you. If you’re self-employed and your income disqualifies you from government subsidies, Marketplace plans can feel unnecessarily expensive and confusing. Maybe you’ve looked at your options and thought, “There has to be another way.”

You’re not alone. Many self-employed individuals face the same frustration—and that’s where we come in.

Not a “business owner”? You’re still in the right place

Freelancing, doing contract work, or working gig jobs like Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart still counts as being self-employed. Even if your income changes month to month, you can still qualify for private or alternative health plans that flex with your needs.

Visit our Life Stage Coverage Hub

The Problem:

Marketplace plans can be costly if you don’t qualify for a subsidy.

And unfortunately, since those subsidies are based on estimated income and your tax household, there’s not a lot of flexibility if you’re earning a solid income or filing jointly with a high-earning spouse.

That means you’re stuck paying full price for insurance—often for coverage that doesn’t even fit your needs.

The Good News:

There are other options.

At Mere, we help self-employed individuals explore private PPO-style plans and alternative coverage models that operate outside the Marketplace.

These plans aren’t based on your taxes, and they often offer:

Nationwide PPO networks
Lower monthly premiums
Customizable coverage levels
Flexibility in benefits

But here’s the key—you usually have to qualify. These plans often involve medical underwriting, which means your current and past health history will be reviewed before coverage is approved.

The Pros:

No tax paperwork or subsidy eligibility required
Access to national networks and flexibility
May be more affordable than unsubsidized Marketplace plans
Good fit for those in excellent health or between coverage options

The Cons:

You must medically qualify—not everyone is approved
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
These are not ACA-compliant plans (they don’t cover every essential benefit)
Not ideal for those expecting high medical usage

Not Sure How to Estimate Your Income for the Marketplace?

You’re not alone. Many self-employed individuals struggle with this step. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you figure it out—without the stress.

Use the Self-Employed Income Guide

Book An Appointment NOW!

Ready to secure your peace of mind through the best self employment insurance plan for you and your family?

Look no further! Mere is here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s figure out what works best for you, not the system.

#simplyforyourbenefit

Schedule a Consultation

So what’s the right move?

If you’re self-employed and not receiving a subsidy, let’s talk. You deserve real information—not a one-size-fits-all solution.

We’ll walk you through your options, break down the trade-offs, and help you make a confident decision about your health coverage. Whether that’s a Marketplace plan, an alternative option, or even a health-sharing program, we’ll help you find what fits.

Need coverage for your kids?

Florida KidCare can be a great option—but if you’re being asked to pay full price or your child doesn’t qualify, we can help.

Learn more about KidCare and what to do next

Frequently Asked Questions

For Self-Employed Individuals Exploring Health Insurance Outside the Marketplace

Why don’t I qualify for a subsidy on the Marketplace?

Subsidies are based on your estimated Modified Adjusted Gross Income and the number of people in your tax household. Many self-employed people earn too much or file jointly with a spouse whose income pushes them over the threshold—even if insurance still feels unaffordable.

What are “alternative” or “private” plans?

These are health coverage options that don’t go through the federal Marketplace and aren’t based on your income. They often include underwritten PPO-style plans, health sharing ministries, or short-term coverage that can be tailored to your specific needs.

What does “underwriting” mean?

It means you have to qualify based on your health history. You’ll typically answer questions about past diagnoses, medications, or procedures. If you’re in good health, these plans can offer strong benefits at a lower cost. But if you have ongoing medical needs or recent conditions, you may be declined or charged more.

Are these plans considered “real” insurance?

It means you have to qualify based on your health history. You’ll typically answer questions about past diagnoses, medications, or procedures. If you’re in good health, these plans can offer strong benefits at a lower cost. But if you have ongoing medical needs or recent conditions, you may be declined or charged more.

Do these plans cover everything a Marketplace plan does?

Usually not. They may not include things like maternity, mental health, or prescription coverage unless you choose to add it. These plans are designed for flexibility, but that also means you need to know what’s not covered.

What happens if I get sick later and can’t qualify anymore?

If your health changes, you may no longer qualify for these private plans at renewal. That’s why it’s important to talk through the risks. We’ll also discuss long-term strategies to ensure you’re not left without coverage in the future.

Is this a good fit if I have pre-existing conditions?

Probably not. If you need frequent care, take expensive prescriptions, or have recent diagnoses, you’ll likely be better served by an ACA-compliant plan, even if it’s more expensive. We’ll help you compare both types.

Can you help me understand both Marketplace and private options?

Absolutely. At Mere, we specialize in simplifying health coverage for self-employed individuals. We’ll compare all available routes—Marketplace, private PPO, Medi-Share, and more—to help you decide what’s best for your specific situation.