Using a high deductible health plan with a health savings account is an ideal way for a self-employed person to optimize their health insurance coverage and finances at the same time.
Optimum Affordability
Because health insurance can be expensive for someone who is self-employed, high deductible health plans offer an affordable alternative to expensive “full benefit” coverage. The great part is that you can still have excellent medical coverage for catastrophic expenses. On top of that, the amount will save on your monthly premium is usually a hefty chunk of change.
The Health Insurance Coverage
Most high deductible health plans have deductibles ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per individual and $3,000 to $10,000 per family. While that make seem like a lot of risk to take on, the truth is that most “full benefit” plans require you to pay for a certain percentage of the rest of a medical bill, after you meet your deductible. Having a high deductible health plan isn’t as “risky” as some people think.
The Health Savings Account & Tax Advantages
Health savings account offer many benefits to the self-employed. The first is the ability to pay for your medical expenses pre-tax, or tax free from dollar zero. Otherwise, in order to write off your medical expenses you have to spend over 7.5% of your gross income. Only the amount you spend on medical expenses after that 7.5% is deductible. You can deduct certain dental, vision, and prescription expenses as well as many other expenses you wouldn’t think of. The money accrues in your HAS and the balance rolls over from year to year. You are in control of the account, not and employer or a third party. If you have money in the account when you turn age 65, you can use the money for retirement if you pay income taxes on it. You can also use it to pay for long term care insurance premiums without being taxed or having to pay any penalties.
The Bottom Line
If you are self-employed, you are probably up against some large premiums. If you haven’t looked into high deductible health plans you are in for a pleasant surprise.
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Learn more about how high deductible health plans and catastrophic plans can provide relief when you are self-employed by visiting my catastrophic health plan website. Be sure to claim your free copy of my eBook titled “Seven Money-Saving Health Insurance Tips” while you are there!
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