How to get Group Health Insurance if You’re Self-Employed
As jobs with major corporations are harder to come by in the current economy, more and more individuals and families are opting to start their own businesses. However, one drawback when a person is contemplating whether to venture into self-employment is the question of how they will obtain health insurance for themselves and their dependents.
What self-employed individuals, as well as those interested in starting their own businesses, need to know is that there is group health insurance available for people who own their own businesses. Certain associations for the self-employed, such as NASE, provide group health plans to their membership.
NASE
NASE is an acronym for the National Association of the Self Employed. Becoming a member of NASE costs about $120 per year, but NASE provides many benefits to members, including group health insurance plans. NASE does not limit group health insurance plans to one company. They offer coverage through several nationally known, major health insurance providers, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and MetLife. In addition to group health insurance, members may also opt in for term life insurance and dental insurance.
Major Health Insurance Providers for the Self-Employed
Though NASE provides many benefits to members, self-employed individuals are not required to join such an organization to receive group health insurance. Within the last few years, several major health insurance companies have begun to address the needs of the self-employed by offering various types of plans and coverage.
Companies that offer group health insurance plans to self-employed individuals and their families include:
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- MetLife
- Humana
- Aetna
- United Health Care
- Kaiser Permanente
- CIGNA
Obtaining Free Quotes for Health Insurance for the Self-Employed
Free online comparison tools allow users to enter a bit of personal information and receive quotes for group health insurance coverage from several companies at one time. Online comparison tools are easy to use and the results are immediate. No need to wait for a list of insurance companies to show up in your inbox or mailbox. Quotes are provided almost instantly when online comparison services are used.
Using an Online Comparison Tool for Health Insurance Quotes
Navigate to one of the online health insurance comparison tools and complete the required information. Some tools will ask that you first enter your zip code. With others, you will see a short questionnaire about your personal status. The first set of questions in the personal information survey will ask you to provide your gender, birthdate, height, weight and whether you are a smoker.
The next set of questions will inquire as to the number of dependents, if any, that you would like included on your policy. Additionally, you may be asked to provide information about any major medical conditions, recent hospitalizations, and whether you have been denied coverage by an insurer. Finally, you will provide your name, address, phone number and email address. Click the “Submit,” “Get My Quotes” or “OK” button. A list of quotes is generated and displayed with information about each available company and policy for your given situation.
From the list of quotes, you should be able to view the plan type (PPO, HMO, Indemnity), the deductible for the plan, and co-payment information and monthly premiums. An online comparison tool is the quickest and most efficient way to obtain free group health insurance quotes from a variety of health insurance providers for those who are self-employed.
In years past, self-employed individuals did not have many options for group health insurance. Only a handful of health insurance providers offered plans for the self-employed. However, in recent years, health insurance providers have been stepping up to meet the demand of those who run their own businesses and seek good and affordable group health coverage. Find the group health insurance company and policy to meet your needs using an online comparison tool.