Hello,
I have a question about the healthcare insurance in US.
I have heard that it is tied to your employment and the company provides for it.
So here are a couple of questions:
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Is there no way for an individual to get their own personal insurance and not be dependent on the company?
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What about freelancers, business owners and retirees? Do they forfeit their insurances?
So you get fined if you don’t take one of the slightly more expensive plans if you are a freelanced individual?
Yes, because you would be without insurance. A person can buy insurance on an exchange and it is similar in price as employer sponsored insurance - you just have to pay all of it. Typically an employer pays for at least some of the insurance if it is a benefit they offer.
It is worth noting that the fine is captured as part of a person’s taxes, so it can be a bit obvuscated. Although in typing this, I vaguely recall a SCOTUS ruling that said the fine wasn’t allowed.
It is actually more wild than all of this even! Each state has additional rules/requirements beyond Obamacare. So what is covered in Washington State may not be covered in Texas.
If you need help sorting through insurance, reach out to me - I’ve done a lot of it as a business owner with two special needs kids.