If you’re self-employed or running a small business, finding the right health insurance plan can feel overwhelming.
You’ve probably asked yourself:
- “Why are my options so expensive?”
- “Why does everything have such a high deductible?”
- “Am I even looking in the right place?”
You’re not alone. Most individuals and families who try to figure this out on their own end up either overpaying or settling for a plan that doesn’t actually fit their needs.
The good news? There is a better way to find the right plan.
Let’s walk through exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Understand Your Real Needs (Not Just the Monthly Premium)
Most people start by looking for the lowest monthly premium.
That’s usually a mistake.
The best health insurance plan is the one that fits your total situation, including:
- How often you go to the doctor
- Whether you need access to specific providers
- Prescription needs
- Your risk tolerance (low premium vs low deductible)
For example:
- A healthy individual might prioritize lower monthly costs
- A family with frequent doctor visits may benefit from better coverage upfront
The key is balancing monthly cost vs. out-of-pocket exposure
Step 2: Know Your Main Options (Most People Only See One)
One of the biggest problems we see is that people think they only have one option: the marketplace.
In reality, there are three primary paths:
1. Marketplace (ACA) Plans
These are the plans found on Healthcare.gov.
They can be a great option if:
- You qualify for subsidies
- You have pre-existing conditions
- You want standardized coverage
However, without subsidies, these plans can be very expensive.
2. Private Health Insurance Plans
This is where many people miss out.
Private plans can:
- Offer lower monthly premiums
- Provide strong nationwide networks
- Have more flexibility than ACA plans
These are especially helpful for:
- Self-employed individuals
- Families who don’t qualify for subsidies
- People stuck with high marketplace premiums
3. Health Sharing Memberships
These are an alternative to traditional insurance.
They can be a good fit if you:
- Are generally healthy
- Want a lower-cost option
- Are comfortable with a non-traditional structure
They’re not for everyone—but in the right situation, they can save families a significant amount of money.
Step 3: Don’t Shop Plans Alone (This Is Where Most People Go Wrong)
Here’s the reality:
Health insurance is not designed to be easy to understand.
Trying to compare plans on your own often leads to:
- Missing better options
- Overpaying for coverage
- Choosing a plan that doesn’t actually work when you need it
This is especially true if you’re only looking at one source (like the marketplace). This is where working with a broker makes a huge difference.
At Groberg Insurance Advisors, we help individuals and families:
- Compare marketplace and private plans side-by-side
- Determine if they qualify for subsidies
- Find more affordable alternatives when they don’t
- Understand the real pros and cons of each option
Our goal is simple, to help you find a plan that actually fits your needs and your budget
Not just what’s easiest to find online.
Step 5: Make a Decision Based on Value—Not Just Price
The cheapest plan is not always the best plan.
Instead, ask:
- What will this plan cost me if something actually happens?
- Do I have access to the doctors I want?
- Am I overpaying for coverage I don’t need?
The right plan should give you:
- Confidence
- Predictability
- Financial protection
Before you choose a plan, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Only looking at the marketplace
- Choosing based on premium alone
- Not checking provider networks
- Ignoring private or alternative options
- Trying to figure everything out yourself
Avoiding just one of these can save you thousands of dollars.
How to Get Help Finding the Right Plan
If you’re self-employed or buying your own insurance, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
At Groberg Insurance Advisors, we specialize in helping:
- Self-employed individuals
- Families without employer coverage
- Small business owners
We’ll walk you through all your options and help you find the best fit—whether that’s a marketplace plan, a private plan, or an alternative like a health sharing membership.
If you want help finding the right health insurance plan, the next step is simple.
Book a free consultation here:
https://groberginsurance.com/quote/
We’ll review your situation and show you exactly what options make the most sense for you.
