As a gig worker, you know you need benefits, but how do you actually go about getting them? Maybe you only need one kind (ie. health insurance or dental/vision), or maybe you need multiple insurances or coverage (liability, life, disability). But where do you go to get them? What are you actual options? In this blog, we’ll discuss the different ways you can get enrolled in health insurance benefits specifically

‍How Can You Enroll in Benefits?

ACA Health Plan

An ACA, or the Affordable Care Act, health plan offered via a 2010 reform law that made it possible for those who are uninsured to access the health insurance market. Filing out an application for an ACA health plan is also how to qualify for lower-income plans like Medicaid. This is an easy way for those who aren’t offered health insurance through their work to choose a plan that they feel fits them and their needs. ACA plans are offered to residents across the country.

Short-term Health Insurance

Short-term plans offer insurance for several months and up to a year, with an option to renew your policy up to three times. Meaning, you can have a short-term health insurance plan for up to three years. This is a good option if you’re between jobs, or need temporary coverage for you or your family. This route is seen as the bridge between now insurance and having a permanent policy. However, many states still prohibit short-term health insurance, like California, New York, New Jersey, and a handful of others.

Medicare/Medicaid

While Medicare is designed for anyone over the age of 65, or people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions, Medicaid is offered to individuals and families who fall below a certain income level or are pregnant. These options are very specific and require certain criteria to be meet in order to qualify, so it isn’t usually an option for those who have an average income.

Third-Party Companies (like GWS)

In addition to all the above options, there’s third-party companies like Gig Worker Solutions that offers plans to those who need them within the gig worker space. We are the first ever to provide specialized plans for independent workers, contractors, and those in the gig economy who want benefits and coverage that fit their lifestyle. What makes our services special is that you don’t get just health insurance plan, but workers compensation, retirement planning, and identity protection (just to name a few).

Finding the right answer to your benefits problem isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Almost all options have some type of qualification that needs to be met, and everyone varies in what they’re looking for. And more importantly, differs in their budget. Gig Worker Solutions helps you navigate through the enrollment process and can help you choose the right plans and policies for you, your business, and your family.

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