Self-Employed Health Insurance Questions:

Q: Who are the self-employed?

You are considered self-employed if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You operate as an independent contractor or a sole proprietor in a business or trade.
• You are part of a partnership that conducts a business or trade.
• You run your own business, including businesses that are operated on a part-time basis.

Q: “I am an independent contractor. Is that the same as being self-employed?”

Yes, it is. If you work as an independent contractor, then you are considered self-employed. Independent contractors are individuals who work in an independent business, trade, or profession and offer services to the general public.

Q: I just left my job a few months earlier and have been working on my own, can I still qualify as self-employed?

Indeed, if you possess legal documents verifying your self-employment status, you can apply for insurance. However, be aware that insurance companies vary in their requirements. Some may ask for a business certificate, W-4 form, and three months of income documentation. Others might need a Letter of Certification, while some may require both a business certificate and a CPA letter, confirming your self-employment status, weekly work hours of at least 20, and the anticipated date for tax form availability.

Q: I recently started my business and lack tax documentation. Can I still qualify?

Yes, but insurance companies vary in their requirements.

Some insurers may request a business certificate, W-4, and three months of income documentation. Others may accept just a Letter of Certification. Some may require both a business certificate and a CPA letter, confirming self-employment of at least 20 hours per week and the anticipated date for tax form availability.

Business Association Questions:

Q: Which insurance companies require that I become a member of a business association to purchase health insurance?

HIP. Fortunately, they offer better health insurance deals as business associations pool their self-employed members together. You can access lower rates by becoming a member of a business association.

Q: Which business associations & what benefits do they offer besides health insurance?

These business associations are IRBA (Independent Retail Business Association), LIA (Long Island Alliance), NYSBG (New York State Business Group), USFSB (United States Federation of Small
Businesses). These associations also offer accidental and life insurance; vision and dental discounts; and shopping discounts.

Q: What are the business association dues?

Membership fees range from $35 to$60 per year depending on your chosen association.

Q: I have insurance through another business association but the rates are higher. Can I switch to one of your plans listed?

Yes.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Q: If I have any questions completing an application, who do I call?

You can call us at (888) 215-4045 from 8:30AM-5:30PM Monday to Friday.

Q: On your online form, I see that you’re asking for my social security number and Date of Birth. I don’t feel comfortable providing that information online. Can I leave them blank?

Yes. You can leave that information out of the online form.

Q: Once I submit the online form what happens next?

After submission, you will receive an email with step-by-step instructions and a completed application form. You need to sign the form and send it back to us by fax, email, or snail mail. You also need to include your tax forms to verify your self-employed status along with the first month’s premium.

Q: How long does it take to process my application?

It depends on which insurance company and plan you applied for. Easy Choice, GHI, HIP, and Oxford plans are processed in less than two weeks. Healthy NY plans take at least three weeks to
process. The process takes much longer for applications with missing or improper documentation.

Q: I’m having trouble opening the application I received via email, can you fax it or snail mail it?

Yes, just notify us by phone or email.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: Can I purchase the health insurance plans at a lower rate by going direct?

No, self-employed health plans cannot be purchased directly from insurance companies and business associations.

Q: Will I be penalized if I  terminate the health insurance plan?

No, there won’t be any penalty. However, you must notify the business association two weeks before terminating your plan.

Q: My current insurance plan expires mid-month; can I start a new plan at that time?

It depends on the insurance carrier you want to apply for. Easy Choice and GHI health coverage can begin in the middle of the month. However, Healthy NY, HIP, and Oxford plans can only begin at the first of every month.

Q: I’m the only one in my family that needs health insurance; do I have to cover my dependents?

No.

Q: My current insurance is about to expire, and I have a pre-existing condition. Will the plans listed provide coverage for me?

Pre-existing conditions will not be covered for the first 12 months of the plan’s duration.

Q: I just found out I’m pregnant and don’t have insurance. Can I buy a policy now and be covered?

In the third trimester, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition.

Q: One of my children is in college; will they be covered under my family plan?

Your child can be covered if :

• the child is at least 19 years old
• single
• supported by at least 50 percent of the member
• listed as a dependent at the time of the member’s application
• enrolled in an accredited educational institution which grants a degree or diploma

Q: I’m having trouble understanding some of the insurance terms on your website.

Please refer to our Health Insurance Glossary for more information about health insurance terms.