Being Your Own Boss Means Being Your Own Benefits Department
One of the most significant challenges of self-employment is navigating health insurance without an employer to do it for you. In Florida, self-employed individuals — freelancers, consultants, gig workers, small business owners, and independent contractors — have several options, and the right choice depends on your income, health needs, and risk tolerance.
The good news: in 2026, the options are better than they've been in years, thanks to enhanced ACA subsidies and a competitive private insurance market in Florida.
Option 1: ACA Marketplace Plans
The ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) is often the best starting point for self-employed Floridians, for one simple reason: subsidies. If your projected annual income falls within the eligible range, you may qualify for Premium Tax Credits that significantly reduce your monthly premium — sometimes to $0.
Key considerations for self-employed individuals:
- Your subsidy is based on your projected net self-employment income for the year. Estimate conservatively if your income is variable.
- If your actual income differs significantly from your estimate, you may owe back some subsidy or receive additional credit at tax time.
- Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums paid for themselves and their family as an above-the-line deduction (not subject to the 7.5% AGI floor).
Option 2: Off-Exchange Private Plans
If you earn too much to qualify for meaningful Marketplace subsidies, off-exchange private plans — sold directly through insurance companies or licensed brokers — may offer competitive pricing with more plan flexibility. These plans are not eligible for subsidies but may offer different network configurations or benefit structures.
In Florida, major carriers offering off-exchange individual plans include Florida Blue, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. Premiums vary significantly by age, location, and plan design.
Option 3: Health Sharing Ministries
Health sharing ministries are not insurance — they are membership organizations where members share healthcare costs. They are significantly cheaper than traditional insurance but come with important limitations: pre-existing conditions may not be covered, there is no guaranteed coverage, and they are not regulated as insurance products.
Health sharing ministries may be appropriate for very healthy individuals with low healthcare utilization who cannot afford traditional insurance. They are not appropriate for people with chronic conditions or significant healthcare needs.
Option 4: COBRA From a Previous Employer
If you recently left an employer with group health coverage, COBRA allows you to continue that coverage for up to 18 months. As discussed in our COBRA vs. Marketplace guide, COBRA premiums are typically high — but the coverage may be worth it if you have ongoing treatment or are mid-deductible year.
The Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
One of the most valuable tax benefits for self-employed individuals is the ability to deduct 100% of health insurance premiums — for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents — as an above-the-line deduction on your federal tax return. This deduction is available regardless of whether you itemize, and it reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI), which can affect your subsidy eligibility calculation.
Important: You cannot take this deduction for any month you were eligible for coverage through an employer (including a spouse's employer plan).
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
If you enroll in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — either through the Marketplace or off-exchange — you may be eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSA contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses. In 2026, the HSA contribution limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families.
Get Help Choosing the Right Plan
Choosing health insurance as a self-employed Floridian involves balancing premium costs, out-of-pocket exposure, tax implications, and provider access. At Integrity Health Solutions, we help self-employed individuals navigate all of these factors and find the right coverage for their specific situation.
Book a free consultation — we'll compare your options and help you understand the full cost picture including tax implications.
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