Self Employed Health Insurance Through Freelancers Union

One of the challenges of being a self-employed individual is to acquire your self-employed health insurance. But there is one option self-employed individuals can consider – the Freelancers Union. Their mission is to promote the interests of freelance workers through advocacy, education, and service. Independent workers include freelancers, consultants, temps, part-timers, contingent employees, and self-employed individuals. One of the services they offer is self-employed health insurance coverage.

Freelancers Union started in 1995 when Sara Horowitz a labor lawyer formed a not-for-profit organization called Working Today. She wanted to promote the cause of independent workers. Eventually, they grew in numbers. They have grown to 80,000 in New York and over 150,000 throughout the United States. In 2001 Working Today launched Freelancers Union. The organization gets funding from the NY state government.

The Freelancers Union health care aims to fix the broken self-employed health care system. Medical and insurance costs continue to go up and benefits are reduced. The organization created a more efficient and inexpensive New York health insurance model. The organization created a portable benefits system wherein an individual’s benefits are not limited to their employment.  They get to keep their self-employed health insurance and other employee benefits even as they move from one job to another.

If you’re interested in seeing the plans available for you, visit the workingtoday.org website and type in your zip code. They offer health, dental, life, and disability plans. Health insurance plans are offered in some counties in New York but dental, life, and disability policies are offered across the United States. Check the website and see if want to apply for any of the plans they offer. If so, be a member of the Freelancers Union. Start by providing them with your email address. Membership is free. As a member, you get access to benefits, discounts, job opportunities, seminars, and a chance to expand your network.

There are eligibility requirements to apply for insurance.

• You should be a qualified independent worker
• You should not be eligible for Medicare
• You must meet the residency requirements
• You should work in an eligible industry (a list is provided on their website)
• Submit documents that will prove your working hours and income

After you’ve been approved, you can start deciding on which plan to take.