Chapter 2: Understanding Cleaning and Janitorial Insurance Policies
Part 2: Small Business Insurance Basics
Health Insurance
When you are self-employed, you are responsible for purchasing your own Health Insurance. Though coverage used to be optional, the Affordable Care Act now mandates that everyone carry coverage. In an effort to make Health Insurance accessible, insurance companies are no longer allowed to charge more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
You can meet the Health Insurance requirements by purchasing a plan from the Individuals & Families Marketplace. Plan options vary depending on…
- Where you live.
- Your revenue / income.
- The number of people you include on your plan.
- Which kind of policy you choose.
Plans are ranked from bronze to silver to gold to platinum. Bronze plans have the highest out-of-pocket spending, lowest premiums, and most limited coverage.
Platinum plans have the highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket spending, and most comprehensive coverage. According to HealthCare.gov, self-employed people may qualify for reduced premiums or tax credits.
If you choose to forgo coverage, you are penalized roughly one percent of your yearly income, but that rate increases each year you go uninsured.
Do note that most small businesses are not required to offer Health Insurance plans to their employees. However, businesses that have 50 or more employees may be subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP) if they do not offer adequate Health Insurance to their workers.
To learn more about the ACA and your obligations, check out WebMD's Health Care Reform: Health Insurance & Affordable Care Act page.
Next: Chapter 2.3: Essential Coverages for Maids, Janitors & Other Cleaning Professionals
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