The landscape of work is changing rapidly, with freelancers making up an increasingly significant portion of the workforce. However, one of the most pressing issues facing self-employed workers, and 8% of all Americans, remains access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance. The Freelancers Union is committed to addressing this critical need and advocating for policy changes to ease the burden on independent workers.

Key Challenges for Freelancers

Cost and Affordability

For many freelancers, the high cost of individual health insurance plans in the State & Federal marketplace is a significant barrier. Without the benefit of employer-sponsored coverage, freelancers face premium costs that can consume a large portion of their income. Even employees of small businesses or nonprofits often do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage, placing the burden on the workers.  

Coverage Gaps

Freelancers may experience periods of inconsistent income, making it challenging to maintain continuous coverage. This can lead to dangerous gaps in insurance and potential financial catastrophe in case of unexpected health issues.

Limited Options

In many areas, freelancers have limited choices for health insurance plans, often with high deductibles and restricted networks that may not meet their specific needs. Additionally, freelancers have reported instances of discrimination from doctors and healthcare facilities due to their coverage under individual health plans, opposed to employer-sponsored plans.

Navigating the Marketplace

The health insurance market can be confusing and time-consuming to navigate, taking valuable time away from freelancers' work and business development.

Key Progress 

While the challenges facing freelancers in accessing affordable health insurance are significant, there have been some positive developments in recent years. The expansion of the Affordable Care Act marketplace has provided more options for individual coverage, and some states have implemented programs specifically designed to help self-employed individuals access health insurance. Freelancers Union has created a health page that brings together some of the best health insurance options for freelancers, making it easy to compare plans and purchase.

We’ve also worked with partners like Solo Health Collective, so self-employed business owners can establish their own plans within Solo’s captive framework, explicitly tailored to the needs of freelancers.

The growth of professional associations and cooperatives has created new avenues for group purchasing power, allowing freelancers to potentially benefit from collective bargaining. One cooperative, Opolis, brings freelancers together and offers medical care, retirement programs, proof of income, and more through their employment benefits platform.

Additionally, telemedicine and other health tech innovations are making some forms of care more accessible and affordable. We work with Galileo Medical to provide low-cost telehealth (that includes dental and vision care) for freelancers. 

Policy Recommendations

The Freelancers Union continues to engage with policymakers at both state and federal levels to push for further reforms. While developments are encouraging, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all freelancers have access to affordable, quality health care options that provide security and peace of mind.

To address these challenges and improve access to healthcare for freelancers, the Freelancers Union advocates for immediate implementation of:

1. Creation of a truly affordable public option that will create the groundwork for federal Medicare-For-All.
2. Expansion of subsidies and tax credits for self-employed individuals purchasing health insurance
3. Enable freelancers to form organizations to allow for group purchasing power
4. Strengthening protections for those with pre-existing conditions
5. Simplifying the process of choosing and enrolling in health insurance plans and invest in education and resources to help freelancers navigate their options

The Road Ahead

As the nature of work continues to evolve, it's clear that our health insurance system must adapt to meet the needs of a changing workforce. The Freelancers Union is dedicated to ensuring that freelancers have access to affordable, quality health care options that provide security and peace of mind.

By working together and making our voices heard, we can push for meaningful change that will improve the lives and livelihoods of freelancers across the country.