Self-Employed Health Insurance
Coverage options for freelancers, contractors, and business owners
The self-employed edge
Advantages most freelancers miss
You qualify for ACA subsidies
Self-employed people get the same premium tax credits as anyone else, and subsidies are based on your net business income, which is often lower than gross revenue. That means a lot of freelancers qualify for more help than they assume.
100% premium deduction
The self-employed health insurance deduction reduces your AGI dollar-for-dollar. Because it's above the line, you still get the benefit even if you take the standard deduction.
Deduction stacks with subsidy
Lowering your AGI via the deduction can actually increase your ACA subsidy. It's a stacked benefit, but only if you model it before you enroll.
ACA marketplace: the most common path
The ACA marketplace is where most self-employed South Carolinians end up. Plans cover all 10 essential health benefits, can't deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and premium tax credits are based on your projected net business income rather than gross revenue — which is why a lot of freelancers and consultants qualify for meaningful subsidies they didn't know they were eligible for.
- Subsidies based on projected net SE income
- No denial for pre-existing conditions
- Reconcile at tax time if income varies
Short-Term Bridge Coverage
If you're between contracts or just launching a business and need coverage right away, short-term health insurance is a fast, cheap safety net. Plans can start as soon as the next day and cost a lot less than ACA plans, though coverage is narrower and pre-existing conditions are excluded. Use it to bridge a gap, not as year-over-year coverage.
- Coverage starts as soon as tomorrow
- Lowest monthly premium
- Excludes pre-existing conditions
ICHRA: once you have employees
Once your self-employed business has employees, ICHRA is usually the cleanest way to offer a health benefit without carrying a full group plan. You set a fixed monthly allowance, each employee picks their own individual market plan, and the reimbursements are tax-free on both sides. There's no minimum participation requirement, and you won't get hit with a renewal rate hike every year.
- Fixed, predictable monthly budget
- Employees pick their own plan
- Tax-free reimbursements
Self-service option · HealthSherpa
Quote ACA on your own time
Self-employed buyers often shop late at night between projects. HealthSherpa lets you compare every ACA plan in your zip and enroll yourself through our agent link. We'll still be your broker of record — handy when your income shifts mid-year and your subsidy needs an update.
- Subsidy based on your projected net SE income
- Side-by-side plan comparison with prescription and provider lookup
- Update your application year-round when income or family changes
Opens HealthSherpa's enrollment portal in a new tab. The link is tied to our agent attribution, so we stay your broker of record at no extra cost.
I can't say I have any belief in anyone dealing with insurance, but Jeff was absolutely amazing for the second year in a row. A two-minute phone call got everything done I needed for my health insurance renewal — the easiest thing I've done. There need to be more like him for people who are overwhelmed and just need one thing to be easy.
Toni B.
Self-employed plan client · South Carolina
Related coverage
Other options worth comparing
ACA Marketplace Plans
Comprehensive coverage with subsidies most SC self-employed workers qualify for.
Learn moreShort-Term Health Insurance
Bridge a coverage gap with a fast-approval policy starting tomorrow.
Learn moreACA Marketplace Plans
Comprehensive coverage with subsidies most SC residents qualify for.
Learn moreIndividual Health Insurance
Start here to compare every individual coverage path available in SC.
Learn moreICHRA for Employers
If your self-employed business has grown to include employees, ICHRA may be the cleanest fit.
Learn more
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real people. Real guidance. Real peace of mind.
I can't say enough nice things about Will Murdock and the hours he's spent helping me find the best plan. He sat on hold listening to elevator music for hours getting all the kinks worked out with my Medicare and Medicaid.
Stacey R.
Medicare client · South Carolina
I was looking for new health insurance and ended up with dental and vision too. Will offered different plans that worked for my budget. Finding insurance isn't always easy, but they made it simple.
Brittany P.
Individual & supplemental plan member · South Carolina
Sherri is incredible. In the 12 years I've handled our company's insurance, we were only ever offered the same two paths. She gave us options no previous agent had ever mentioned, worked directly with each employee, and answered every question.
Jill C.
Group benefits decision-maker · South Carolina
Kearah saved my sanity. She helped me navigate a very uncertain period of getting solid coverage — she was on every call with me and even did footwork on my behalf. I'll be calling her for life insurance next.
ILONA
Health & life client · South Carolina
Brandon is a wealth of information. He's personable, easy to talk to, and made the crazy world of Medicare make sense. He's my recommendation for friends and family getting ready to become eligible.
Matt L.
New Medicare enrollee · South Carolina
Sherri reached out to the Chamber to discuss our health plan and found us a plan with a wider range of benefits. Her knowledge of the health insurance market is remarkable, and her customer service is exceptional.
Irmo Chamber of Commerce
Member organisation · Irmo, SC
Brandon is super compassionate with older folks. He guided my mom through her Medicare open enrollment so smoothly. Thanks, Brandon.
Melissa F.
Family caregiver · South Carolina
As a self-employed small business owner, I'd always carried high deductibles and minimal coverage to make insurance work. Sherri found my family a plan with real coverage and was patient with every question I had.
Victoria A.
Self-employed plan member · South Carolina
The owner and employees were extremely knowledgeable in finding us insurance options. Sherri explained everything and answered every question. Kristian was professional and never made me feel like a burden — he was happy to help.
Allison H.
Long-time client · South Carolina
Andrew is amazing at serving his clients. He cares for them from the beginning to the end of the process. I'd recommend him to anyone looking to add health or life insurance.
Joy H.
Health & life client · South Carolina
Individual & family carriers
Our Brokerage Partners
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Ambetter
Molina
UnitedHealthcare
Why work with us
Self-employed benefits expertise, no cost
Every option compared
ACA marketplace, short-term, COBRA, ICHRA. We look at all four paths and recommend whichever actually fits your situation.
Tax strategy awareness
We help you model how the self-employed health insurance deduction interacts with ACA subsidies so you capture maximum savings.
Year-round support
When your income changes, we help you update your marketplace application so your subsidy stays accurate. No cost to you.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not listed here? Get in touch.
Most self-employed South Carolinians come out ahead with an ACA marketplace plan, especially once premium tax credits are factored in. Which plan fits depends on your income, your health needs, and whether you have employees.
Yes. Self-employed individuals qualify for the same ACA premium tax credits as anyone else, based on projected household income. Many self-employed workers qualify for significant subsidies.
Yes. Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums as an above-the-line deduction on their federal tax return, reducing adjusted gross income.
An Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) lets an employer (including a self-employed person with employees) reimburse workers tax-free for individual health insurance premiums.
Find the right self-employed coverage, free
We help freelancers and 1099 workers compare all available options, including tax advantages you may be missing.