Question 1

Can freelancers and 1099 contractors really get ACA health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ACA marketplace does not distinguish between W-2 and 1099 income — what matters is your projected household Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Most self-employed workers qualify for premium tax credits that dramatically lower their monthly premium.

Question 2

How does the ACA subsidy work when my income is variable month to month?

Accepted Answer

You project your best honest annual estimate at enrollment. The subsidy is applied as an Advance Premium Tax Credit each month, then reconciled against your actual income on IRS Form 8962 at tax time. Earn less than projected: you get a refund. Earn more: you may owe some back.

Question 3

Do I need a Social Security Number to get a quote from Affordable Care?

Accepted Answer

No. To see plan and subsidy comparisons, we just need your ZIP, ages, household size, and projected income. SSN is only required at actual enrollment because HealthCare.gov verifies subsidy eligibility.

Question 4

I just quit my W-2 job. When can I enroll?

Accepted Answer

Loss of job-based coverage is a qualifying life event, opening a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. You can enroll in an ACA plan immediately — you don't have to wait for Open Enrollment.

Question 5

Is COBRA my only option after leaving a job?

Accepted Answer

No — and it's almost never the cheapest option. COBRA lets you continue your former employer's plan, but you pay the entire premium plus a 2% fee. A subsidized ACA plan is typically $400–$1,200/month cheaper for the same coverage level.

Question 6

Can I write off my health insurance premiums as a self-employed person?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the self-employed health insurance deduction (Schedule 1 Line 17) lets you deduct 100% of your post-subsidy premiums above the line, reducing both your income tax and your AGI. It applies to health, dental, and qualifying long-term care premiums.

Question 7

What is an HDHP + HSA and should I use one?

Accepted Answer

A High Deductible Health Plan qualifies you to contribute to a Health Savings Account — the only triple-tax-advantaged account in the U.S. tax code. It's typically the best fit for healthy self-employed people with cash flow to fund the HSA.

Question 8

Are healthshares and short-term plans a good alternative?

Accepted Answer

For most self-employed people, no. Neither is ACA-compliant, neither guarantees coverage of pre-existing conditions, and neither unlocks subsidies. Short-term plans can bridge a coverage gap of a few weeks; healthshares are not real insurance.

Question 9

What if I have both 1099 and W-2 income in the same year?

Accepted Answer

Both count toward MAGI. You're still eligible for subsidies as long as you're not offered affordable employer coverage. You'll reconcile at tax time based on the months you were on a marketplace plan.

Question 10

How much does self-employed health insurance actually cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For a solo freelancer earning $45,000 net, Silver plans typically run $60–$180/month after subsidy. For a family of four earning $95,000 net, $250–$500/month for the whole family is common. Your ZIP, ages, and income all move the number.

Question 11

Are you affiliated with HealthCare.gov or the government?

Accepted Answer

No. Affordable Care is an independent licensed insurance agency. We help you compare the same plans you'd find on HealthCare.gov plus off-marketplace options. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

Question 12

Is your service really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're paid a standard commission by the carrier if you enroll — the same commission that's built into the plan price whether you enroll through us or directly on HealthCare.gov. There's no extra cost to you.

Questions from the Self-Employed. Answered.

Honest answers for the self-employed.