Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois gives you affordable coverage options, whether you're a small business owner or full-time gig worker.
What are My Health Insurance Plan Options If I'm Self-Employed?
If you own your own business or don't get coverage through your employer, find affordable options that fit your life with BCBSIL.
With an Individual and Family plan, you may be able to pay as little as $10 a month for your monthly bills. Explore the different plan levels included in our HMO or PPO offerings:
- Bronze plans can help you save if you don't have dependents or visit the doctor often.
- Silver plans can keep you and your family covered with costs balanced between health care bills and monthly payments.
- Gold plans are great for growing families or those with more health concerns.
Who Is Considered Self-Employed?
Maybe you're a small business owner chasing your dreams. Or you want to be your own boss. BCBSIL can help 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 who 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
Consider This Before Shopping
There are a few important things to think about before choosing a plan:
- Check our drug lists to make sure your prescriptions are 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 and dream about working for yourself, you don't have to do it alone. BCBSIL individual and family plans can keep your health care covered if COBRA's not in your budget.
Shop with us to compare plan prices and coverage, explore networks and learn if you're eligible for premium tax credit 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 health coverage
We have plan options and levels of coverage to fit every budget and lifestyle. Plus, you may qualify for savings, like premium tax credits, to help lower your plan costs.
Easy online experience
Shop on our web shopping platform, schedule automatic monthly payments online and access your member 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 to meet with a doctor virtually, 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 you insurance coverage while you already have your own plan, here are a few things you can do:
- Keep your current plan: You don't need to opt in to your employer's plan if you'd prefer to keep the one you have now. Just continue to pay your premium to keep your coverage.
- Choose a plan through your employer: Usually, you can enroll in an employer-offered plan when you get 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 on your growing business! If you're interested in giving your employees health insurance options, also known as 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?
If your job changed within the past 60 days, you may be able to enroll right now. The Special Enrollment Period allows you to update or choose a new plan if you were let go or quit your job, if you lost COBRA or ICHRA coverage or if you lost coverage because your employer lowered your working hours. Understand how job changes could qualify you for Special Enrollment.
If you aren't eligible to enroll through Special Enrollment, you can enroll during Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment begins every year on November 1. Anyone can enroll during Open Enrollment without having gone through a life event.