Running your own business is rewarding — until you realize you're on your own for health insurance. No employer plan, no HR department, no group rate. Just you, the marketplace, and a lot of confusing options. This guide breaks down exactly what self-employed Floridians need to know to get covered without overpaying.
The Affordable Care Act marketplace is the most comprehensive option for most self-employed individuals. Plans are organized into metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — based on how much you pay vs. how much the plan pays.
The biggest advantage: ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, mental health, and prescription drugs. And if your income qualifies, premium tax credits (subsidies) can dramatically reduce your monthly cost.
Short-term plans are available year-round and can fill coverage gaps — especially useful if you missed Open Enrollment. In Florida, short-term plans can cover up to 3 years of continuous coverage. They're typically cheaper than ACA plans but do not cover pre-existing conditions and may exclude mental health or maternity benefits. Best used as temporary coverage while you wait for the next enrollment window.
Health sharing plans are not insurance — they're cost-sharing arrangements where members contribute monthly to a pool that pays for each other's medical bills. They are significantly cheaper than ACA plans and can work well for healthy individuals. However, they are not regulated like insurance, have no guarantee of payment, and often exclude pre-existing conditions and certain services.
If you left an employer within the past 60 days, you can continue your old employer's group plan via COBRA for up to 18 months. The catch: you pay the full premium (including what your employer used to pay), which is typically very expensive — often $500–$800+/month for individual coverage. Compare carefully against marketplace options before electing COBRA.
| Feature | ACA Marketplace | Short-Term | Health Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers pre-existing conditions | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ Usually no |
| Available year-round | ✗ Enrollment window only* | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Subsidies available | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Mental health covered | ✓ Yes (required) | ✗ Often excluded | ✗ Varies |
| Prescription coverage | ✓ Yes (required) | ✗ Limited | ✗ Varies |
| Monthly cost (est.) | $0–$500+ (after subsidies) | $100–$300 | $150–$400 |
| Best for | Most self-employed | Temporary gaps | Healthy, budget-focused |
*Special Enrollment Periods available for qualifying life events
Here's something many freelancers don't know: you can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your federal adjusted gross income — as long as you have a net profit from self-employment. This deduction covers:
This deduction is taken on Form 1040 Schedule 1 — you don't need to itemize. At a 22% tax bracket, a $400/month premium saves you about $1,056/year on your federal taxes alone. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year for coverage starting the following February. If you miss it, you'll need a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which is triggered by:
Self-employed individuals starting a new business qualify for an SEP in many cases. Call us to confirm whether your situation qualifies.
Florida did not expand Medicaid under the ACA, which means if your income falls below 100% of the federal poverty level (~$15,060 for a single person in 2026), you may fall into the "coverage gap" — earning too much for Medicaid but not enough for full ACA subsidies. If this applies to you, short-term or health sharing plans may be your only near-term option. A licensed broker can help you find the best available path.
Our licensed brokers compare plans from top Florida carriers — at zero cost to you. We'll find the best coverage for your budget in 15 minutes or less.
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