She Strengthens

Navigating the Complex World of Health Insurance as a Freelancer

As a freelancer, taking care of my own healthcare can be a daunting task. Gone are the days of relying on a full-time employer’s benefits package. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of health insurance, and it’s been a steep learning curve.

Understanding My Needs

Before diving into the world of health insurance, I took some time to reflect on what I really need from my coverage. I’m single, with no dependents, and I want to be able to see my preferred doctor. After researching extensively and speaking with other freelancers, I’ve decided to opt for a basic bronze PPO plan, which will cost around $220/month without dental or vision.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to health insurance. I’ve been preparing for this expense for a long time, and I’ve learned that the more information I gather, the better off I’ll be. I’ve started taking notes every time I research plans or speak with someone on the phone, and I’ve gotten more comfortable talking to other freelancers about their insurance experiences.

Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

Open enrollment started on November 1, 2015, and runs until January 31, 2016. If you’re stressing about health insurance, here are some resources that may help you navigate the process:

• Healthcare.gov: Visit this website to find your state’s specific health insurance marketplace and begin the application process.
• Understanding Open Enrollment: Learn more about what open enrollment is and the specific dates you need to know.
• Public vs. Private Health Insurance: Find out whether public or private health insurance is right for you.
• Local Help: Get in-person assistance with enrollment and talk to someone about your options.
• Extended Call Hours: Take advantage of extended call hours offered by Obamacare contact centers during open enrollment.
• Penalty for Not Having Health Insurance: Understand the specifics of the Obamacare mandate and the penalty for not having health insurance.
• Catastrophic Health Plans: Learn about the differences between catastrophic health plans and other types of plans.
• Health Insurance Calculators: Get a rough estimate of what you might be paying for health insurance using online calculators.
• Plan Types: Understand the differences between EPO, HMO, POS, and PPO plans, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of gold, silver, and bronze plans.