Whether you need to reduce the costs of prescription medications or want to keep doctor copays to a minimum, having health insurance is a critical part of being able to afford medical care. While many Americans can access this coverage through their employers, those who work independently can find it difficult to enroll in a plan that works for them. If you’re having trouble finding coverage as a self-employed professional, here are five possible avenues to consider.

5 Health Insurance Options for the Self-Employed Entrepreneur

1. Ask Your Spouse

If you’re married to someone who works for an employer, you may be able to enroll in their employer-provided health plan. While the costs and coverage terms may vary, this option may be the simplest and most affordable. Keep in mind that enrolling in their plan may mean that more money will have to come out of their paycheck to cover you.

2. Healthcare Marketplace

Healthcare.gov is the government-supported resource that allows you to explore insurance plans in your state. These plans are designed to fit a variety of situations.

For example, there are options for individuals who may prefer high-deductible, low-premium payments. You should also be able to find plans that will cover you if you have a preexisting health condition. Since there are many options, however, it can take time to compare and contrast.

3. Join an Industry Association

Depending on what industry you work in, you may be able to join a relevant professional association that offers access to discounted health insurance plans. Since many of these associations require dues, however, you may end up paying more than necessary to get the coverage you want.

4. Professional Employer Organizations

Professional employer organizations, or PEOs, are third-party firms that handle many organizational components of running a small business. While this support can come with a hefty cost, it can simplify the way you manage many important aspects of your work, such as processing payroll and group health insurance enrollment.

5. Talk to an Agent

Independent insurance agents are exceptional resources for self-employed individuals who want to explore all their health coverage options. With access to many different providers, these agents can refine your searching options and find plans that fit your medical needs and budget. As industry professionals, they can also help explain complicated aspects in simplified terms, taking the guesswork out of finding the perfect plan for your needs.

When you want to explore health plans with confidence, Blocker Insurance Agency will clear up the confusion. Serving individual and business clients in Cleveland, GA, this independent agency can connect you to a variety of health insurance options that fit the needs of the self-employed. Beyond medical coverage, this team can also enroll you in affordable plans that cover other important aspects of your business—such as workers’ comp, general liability, and commercial auto insurance. Visit this agency online to learn more about their business insurance products or call (706) 865-1072 to request a custom quote.