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How to Get Health Insurance as a Freelancer or Self-Employed in Michigan (2027)
When you work for yourself, you're your own benefits department. The upside is choice: you can pick between the marketplace and private plans every year based on what's cheaper for your income and health. Here's how to do it well.
Option 1: The marketplace
Plans through HealthCare.gov accept everyone and price on income. For freelancers, the tricky part is estimating income, because the credit is based on your net self-employment income (after business expenses) plus any other household income, for the coverage year.
- Estimate conservatively but honestly, and update your application if a big contract lands.
- Starting with 2026 coverage, there's no cap on repaying excess advance credits, so a surprise good year can mean a big tax bill.
- The credit stops at 400% of the poverty level ($63,840 for one person, $132,000 for four). Retirement and HSA contributions lower the income figure that counts.
Option 2: Private plans
Outside the marketplace, private shared-network plans are sold in Michigan on leased PPO networks (Cigna, Aetna and PHCS PPO). They're medically underwritten, so they ask health questions and price on age and health instead of income, but you can enroll any month and coverage starts on the 1st. For healthy self-employed people above the subsidy line, they're often the cheaper way to get a PPO. Comparison: private health insurance vs. ACA in Michigan.
Option 3: Through a spouse
If your spouse has employer coverage, adding yourself can be cheapest, or not. See what it costs to add a spouse.
Taxes: the part freelancers miss
The self-employed health insurance deduction lets you deduct premiums for yourself, your spouse and dependents above the line, as long as you had net self-employment income and weren't eligible for an employer plan (yours or a spouse's) that month. Pair it with an HSA for a second deduction. Details: health insurance tax deductions for the self-employed.
A first-year checklist
- Estimate 2027 net income (low, likely, high).
- Price a marketplace plan at your likely number.
- If you're healthy, price a private plan.
- Pick the cheaper option with a network you like.
- Set aside money for the deductible, or fund an HSA.
In Michigan, open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs on HealthCare.gov from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want coverage to start January 1, 2027; plans picked after that start later. Private plans can start any month, which helps if you go freelance mid-year.
More: the complete 1099 worker guide. Ready? Check your options and we'll show both markets for your ZIP.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best health insurance for freelancers?
It depends on income and health. Subsidy-eligible freelancers usually do best on the marketplace; healthy freelancers above the subsidy line often pay less with a private plan.
Can self-employed people deduct health insurance premiums?
Generally yes. The self-employed health insurance deduction covers premiums for you, your spouse and dependents if you have net self-employment income and weren't eligible for an employer plan.
How do I estimate income for the marketplace as a freelancer?
Use your expected net self-employment income (after business expenses) for the coverage year plus other household income, and update it during the year if it changes.