Ready to find 2025 health insurance coverage? Shop Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois affordable coverage during Open Enrollment, whether you're a small business owner or gig worker.
What are My Health Insurance Plan Options If I'm Self-Employed?
Do you own your own business? Maybe you don't get coverage through an employer. Find affordable plans with BCBSIL. During Open Enrollment, from November 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025, compare your BCBSIL options and choose a plan for the upcoming year.
Each of BCBSIL's plan offerings has three metallic level options:
- Bronze level plans can help you save if you don't have dependents or visit the doctor often.
- Silver level plans offer a balance between your health care bills and monthly payments.
- Gold level plans are great for growing families or those with more health concerns.
Who's Considered Self-Employed?
Whether you're a small business owner chasing your dreams or you just want to be your own boss, BCBSIL can help. You’re considered self-employed if you're a:
- Gig worker, like a food delivery or rideshare driver
- Independent contractor, with a company, independently (like some lawyers or doctors) or don't get health insurance as a benefit through work
- Freelance worker, like copywriters or graphic designers
- Small business owner, like a marketing agency owner, event planner or any small business owner that doesn't offer employer coverage
What to Know Before Shopping
There are a few important things to think about before choosing a plan:
- Check our drug lists to make sure your medicine is covered
- Check plan networks to understand your providers or find in-network doctors and hospitals
- Check if you qualify for other plan types, like Medicare or Medicaid
Are You Shopping Because COBRA's Too Expensive?
If you recently lost your job, you have more options than COBRA. BCBSIL individual and family plans can keep your health care covered if COBRA's not in your budget.
Compare plan prices and coverage, explore networks and learn if you're eligible for plan savings. If you've lost or left your job recently, you may be able to pick a plan during the Special Enrollment Period.
Benefits of Getting Insurance Through BCBSIL
Affordable coverage
Our plan options and levels of coverage fit every budget and lifestyle. Plus, you may qualify for premium tax credit savings to help lower your plan costs.
Easy online experience
Shop on our web shopping site. Schedule automatic monthly payments online. Access your plan details through our mobile app. Experience the best of BCBSIL at your fingertips.
24/7 support
Whether you need help using your BCBSIL plan or want a virtual doctor's visit, you'll always have access to BCBSIL's 24/7 support services.
Simple bill payments
Our payment portal lets you make one-time or first-time payments through your member account. Plus, sign up for Auto Bill Pay to make sure you never miss a payment.
FAQs
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What are my vision and dental coverage options?
When you're shopping for a plan, you have the option to add on vision or dental coverage. To review your options, start shopping through our shopping platform or partner platforms to explore your options and choose coverage that's right for you.
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What happens to my plan if I get a job that offers health insurance coverage?
If you get a job that offers insurance after you've already have your own plan, here are a few things you can do:
- Keep your current plan: You don't need to choose your employer's plan. If you'd prefer to keep the one you have now, just continue to pay your premium.
- Choose a plan through your employer: Usually, you can enroll in a plan through your job when you're hired. To end your individual and family plan coverage, just stop paying its premium.
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I'm a small business owner or growing my business with employees. What are my options?
Congratulations! If you're interested in giving your employees health insurance options, or small group plans, you have options with BCBSIL. To qualify, your business just needs to have 2 employees (including yourself) and underwriter approval for full-time employees.
Understand the benefits of small business health insurance plans, how you can find the right fit for you and your employees and get a quote today.
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When am I able to enroll in a new plan?
Anyone's able to enroll in a new plan or update coverage during Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment begins every year on November 1. You don't need to go through a life event to qualify like you do during Special Enrollment.
If your job changed within the past 60 days, you may be able to enroll through Special Enrollment. The Special Enrollment Period lets you update or choose a new plan for big life changes. Some qualifying changes are getting let go or quitting your job, losing COBRA coverage or losing coverage because your employer lowered your working hours. Understand how job changes could qualify you for Special Enrollment.