i just started my own consulting firm what's the best way to set up health insurance...i'm the only one.

Answer 1

Ask the health insurance provider if they have a 'one man group' policy. Prudential and some of the larger companies used to, however, as a new firm it may be difficult to show that your company can pay the bill. So to assist in building credit ask if the company can be billed and you serve as the personal guarantor.

Depending on the amount of coverage you need and your age, you may want to purchase an individual policy with large deductibles to keep premiums low.

Answer 2

Unless you have serious pre-existing conditions, your best (and cheapest) option is to get an individual policy.

Most companies require a minimum of two people to start a group policy. And even if you were able to get one, the prices are typically much more expensive (if you're healthy.)

However, if you do have serious pre-existing conditions (and it might suprise you what qualifies as "serious" to a health insurance company), you should probably look into going through a third party W2 contracting firm.

Right now, I have my own business, but I run my contracts through a company called MyBizOffice (see link below.) I get access to their health insurance plan, which isn't cheap though it is by comparison to an individual plan for a diabetic. Even better, they handle the taxes and there are other benefits including a 401k as well as reimbursement for expenses (pre-tax instead of waiting till the end of the year.) And no, I don't get any kind of rewards for referring people.

If you decide to get a policy on your own, you could start with the online comparison tools to find out what companies are available in your area. However, the quotes from those things really aren't terribly accurate since they don't ask for a lot of medical information (which is the biggest potential for rates to sky-rocket.) They also don't tell you anything about the local networks in your area (and since most plans are based on using networks to reduce costs, that can be a VERY big deal.) I recommend you find a local agent (maybe you already have one for your car insurance, etc?) and make sure that they take the time to ask you some questions and listen to you before they starts throwing quotes at you.

Answer 3

If you are healthy (no health issues in the last 10 years) then you will probably qualify for an individual health insurance plan. Everything else being equal, an individual health plan will be approximately 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a comparable group health plan.

It was mentioned by another answerer that you are not eligible for a group plan as it is only you - that is usually correct but not always. You may be eligible for a group plan depending on your state of residence and a few other factors. For example, in the state of FL there is an open enrollment every August for sole proprietors which wish to enroll in a guaranteed issue group of one plan.

You will do well to read the article in the source box below outlining some of the important things to know as a self employed person with regards to health insurance.

Answer 4

Most of the people answering this question have good ideas, but I think we sometimes forget that laws of insurance differ from state to state. We don't know where you live, so we shouldn't assume anything.

In CT, there is insurance coverage for a "Group of 1". While it is not guaranteed issue, they are a bit more accepting of conditions that would not be covered in individual policies.

Individual policies are typically less expensive than "Group of 1" policies, however, there also may be limitations on coverage. In CT, they limit your prescription benefits to an annual max, typically less than $2000, and most don't cover maternity.

The bottom line is to find a licensed, experienced, independent agent in your area who works with health insurance and make an appointment to discuss your situation with them.

Answer 5

Contact the agent that's handling the rest of your insurance, and ask him for a quote.

You'll be getting an individual health plan. There aren't any options - you can't have a group of one.

Answer 6

talk to an insurance professional. if you belong to a business organization like a chamber of commerce, they sometime have health insurance plans for members.

Answer 7

depending on your state's laws, you may be better off in an individual plan or an association plan. i'd speak to your local chamber of commerce to see if one exists.

Answer 8

talk to the local chamber of commerce, business and professional women's club.. they may have options for independent biz owners.. and the networking won't hurt either.

Answer 9

there are various options depending on what your needs are. Check out these websites for additonal information.


http://www.IBOPlus.com/40485726
http://www.EveryoneBenefits.com/40485726