Pregnant and Self-Employed? Navigating Health Insurance As a Freelancer

Finding Health Insurance When You’re Expecting

Becoming a parent is a thrilling experience, but it can also raise concerns about health insurance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) plays a significant role in providing coverage options for expectant parents and self-employed individuals.

One important thing to note is that short-term health insurance plans do not cover maternity care. As a freelancer, you may have been relying on a short-term plan, but upon discovering your wife’s pregnancy, you realized it will no longer suffice.

ACA-Approved Plans:
The ACA offers two types of plans that may be suitable for self-employed individuals with expectant spouses:

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Long-Term Care: Upon experiencing qualifying life events, such as losing employer-sponsored coverage, you may qualify for a SEP to enroll in a long-term ACA-approved plan. However, the enrollment window for SEP is typically limited to 60 days after the qualifying event.
Health Insurance Marketplace: Individuals can enroll in health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the annual Open Enrollment Period. However, in some states, the Marketplace may offer additional enrollment periods for individuals experiencing qualifying events like having a baby.

If you missed the SEP enrollment window, your best option may be to wait for the next Open Enrollment Period. In the meantime, it’s crucial to understand your options and explore any available financial assistance programs.

Financial Assistance:

Medicaid: This government-sponsored program provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. Pregnant women and children may qualify for Medicaid coverage.
CHIP: The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides coverage for children and teens who are not eligible for Medicaid.
Premium Tax Credits: Tax credits are available to help individuals and families afford health insurance premiums.

Alternative Options:

OnDoc: Some telemedicine providers offer affordable health insurance plans that may cover pregnancy-related expenses.
Short-Term Maternity Coverage: While short-term health plans typically exclude maternity care, some plans may offer short-term maternity coverage as an add-on. It’s important to thoroughly review the coverage details before purchasing.

Remember that these are just a few options to consider. It’s highly recommended to consult with a licensed insurance agent to discuss your specific situation and explore all available options. By doing so, you can ensure that you and your family have the necessary health insurance coverage during this special time.