How freelancers in NY, NJ, CT, and PA can access PPO health insurance
Pssst... we've got a secret - there's a PPO plan in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania that accepts freelancers.
Freelancers Union used to be known for its one-of-a-kind group health insurance in New York featuring PPO coverage and a national network. The Affordable Care Act put an end to that plan by reducing the options that are available to associations and groups such as ours.
But the need for great health insurance hasn't gone away. We've heard loud and clear from our members that they miss having ready access to a PPO plan with out-of-network coverage. That's why we found a way for savvy freelancers and small businesses to access PPO coverage.
How does it work? Your freelance business hires an organization to manage your HR needs - including benefits. You pay them a monthly fee and put yourself on their payroll. Now you've gained access to all of their group benefits along with the employees of all their other clients. Finding an organization like this to serve individual sole proprietors can be tricky, but Freelancers Union has found one in NY, NJ, CT, and PA and you can learn more about them here.
To enroll, you'll need a freelance business with a separate Tax ID number and the financial ability to maintain a minimum payroll throughout the year of about $1,950 per month. And you'll need to connect over the phone with someone from our partner to discuss your business and the details of the HR services they'll provide to you.
While we know that this solution won't work for every freelancer and we're actively advocating with policymakers for more options, we've heard great things from the members already enrolled:
“Great benefits, good price, fantastic service and advice.”
“You can get a wide provider panel and hospital options, in and out of network coverage, a national plan and it's also not constantly threatened to be taken away, I hope, like Obamacare plans.”
“Great insurance coverage and service”