Contractor & Gig Worker Coverage

Health Coverage for 1099 Workers

No benefits department? No problem

As a 1099 contractor you are your own benefits department. The good news: you have more options than most W-2 employees realize, including marketplace plans with income-based subsidies, private coverage, and association options depending on your field.

What matters most for contractors

• Portability. Your coverage should follow you between gigs and clients without interruption.
• Predictable costs. When income varies month to month, a plan with stable premiums and clear copays beats one with a low premium and unpredictable bills.
• Nationwide networks. If you travel for work, network breadth matters more than it does for someone who stays local.

Losing employer coverage triggers a special window

Going from W-2 to 1099 usually counts as a qualifying life event, opening a 60-day window to enroll outside open enrollment. Do not let it close while you are getting the business off the ground.