Health insurance for independent consultants
Going independent as a consultant means trading a corporate benefits package for control — including control over your own health insurance. Between client contracts and variable income, here's how 1099 consultants get covered in 2026.
Why consultants need a different approach
- You left the employer plan behind. No more group benefits — you choose and pay for coverage.
- Income comes in contract chunks. Predictable monthly costs beat plans with unpredictable charges.
- You may work across states or travel to clients, so a broad national network matters.
Your options in 2026
- ACA Marketplace: comprehensive; subsidies may apply (the enhanced pandemic-era subsidies ended December 31, 2025).
- Molli: built for independent professionals — transparent flat-rate pricing (save up to 30% vs. ACA marketplace plans¹), nationwide PPO network access, and $0 virtual primary care and generic prescriptions via Vitable, and it's portable if you move between consulting and a full-time role.
- A spouse's employer plan, if available — often the cheapest route when you can use it.
- COBRA, right after leaving a W-2 job.
Why consultants look at Molli
Transparent, flat pricing fits contract-based income, the national PPO network supports multi-state and travel-heavy work, and $0 everyday care keeps routine visits predictable.
FAQ
- How do independent consultants get health insurance?
- By buying it directly — the ACA Marketplace, a plan built for independent workers like Molli, a spouse's plan, or COBRA after leaving a job.
- Can I write off health insurance as a consultant?
- Self-employed consultants can often deduct premiums via the self-employed health insurance deduction. Confirm with a tax professional.
¹ Savings vary by location, age, and plan selection. Based on comparison of Molli Pro plan rates to ACA Silver benchmark premiums.