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Q: I am self-employed with no employees. What are my options?
A: You have two choices: small employer (group) health insurance or individual health insurance.
Small employer health insurance is available to individuals who are self-employed with no employees (a group of 1). For small employers, group of 1 (self-employed), open enrollment is only during March and September. Carriers can offer health insurance at other times if they choose to do so or the self-employed can request a special open enrollment period from the carrier.
Individual health insurance, either only for yourself or for you and your family. Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
Q: Should I use a health insurance agent or broker? Will it cost me anything?
A: MicroCredit-NH recommends that you use a licensed health insurance agent or broker (called a producer in New Hampshire). They are experts. There is no cost to you to use them. Some carriers will only sell health insurance through an agent or broker. For a list of health insurance agents and brokers licensed to sell in New Hampshire visit the NH Department of Insurance website.
Q: I am a small business owner with employees. What are my options?
A: As a small business owner with employees, you need to decide if you are going to offer health insurance to your employees. If you decide to, you can purchase small employer health insurance.
Another option you have is to purchase a high deductible policy and establish a health savings account for each employee.
If you are going to purchase health insurance only for yourself, you have the same options as a person who is self-employed. However, if you purchase coverage only for yourself and/or your family, you cannot pay for it through the business.
Q: I heard about NH Healthy Kids. Can my children participate?
A: NH Healthy Kids is health insurance for children under the age of 19. There are three programs: Gold, Silver, and Buy-In. Each level has its own eligibility requirements, benefits and cost. The amount you pay depends on your family’s income. Many New Hampshire families qualify for free coverage. For more information visit NH Healthy Kids.
Q: I am over 65 and eligible for Medicare. Should I just get small employer health insurance?
A: If you are over 65, get Medicare coverage -- even if you are going to continue to work. Medicare and supplemental coverage (ie, Medigap) may give you better benefits at a lower cost.
Q: I can’t afford health insurance, so what are my options?
A: A number of publicly-funded programs help pay for health care. You will need to determine if you and/or your family are eligible. Each program has its own eligibility requirements – some based on income, some on age, and others on a disability. If you are eligible, there is often no cost or a nominal cost for health care.
For more information:
Apply for NH Healthy Kids for your children.
Apply for Medicaid through the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
Apply for Medicare, even if you will continue to work
You can also:
- Use providers or clinics in the NH Health Access Network. The network makes it easier to get financial assistance for health care.
- Apply for medication assistance. NH Medication Bridge helps eligible uninsured and underinsured patients of all ages receive needed prescription medications from pharmaceutical companies’ Patient Assistance Programs.
- Participate in the New Hampshire County Prescription Drug Card program. Review the website to determine if your county of residence is participating. This program is offered in conjunction with the National Association of Counties. There are no age or income requirements and family coverage is available. You may use it any time that your prescription is not covered by health insurance. Note: this is a discount program, not health insurance.
- Pay for services as you use them – the following sites may help you compare costs for health care.
NH Healthcare Costs www.nhhealthcost.org
NH's Medicine Cabinet www.egov.nh.gov/medicine-cabinet/
Q: What types of health insurance are available?
A: You have several health plan choices, depending on the carrier. Choose the one that is best for you and that you can afford.
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- Indemnity Plan (Fee-for-Service)
- High deductible policy with HSA (Health Savings Account)
Q: Can I buy health insurance through an association?
A: Another way for a small business owner with employees and a self-employed individual to purchase health insurance is through an association. An association is a group of businesses, organizations, or individuals who join together for professional purposes such as professional development, advocacy, or group purchasing. An association, may, as part of its activities, offer insurance products to its members.
There is wide variety in the types of health insurance offered, carriers, and cost (both for the annual membership fee and for premiums). Shop wisely.
Q: If I am leaving a job where I have health insurance, what should I do?
A: If you are currently employed, have health insurance through your employer and will be leaving your job to run your own business, one way to have health insurance is to continue the group health insurance that you have through your current employer. For more information, talk with your employer’s human resources representative.
Q: What about purchasing health insurance on-line?
A: Beware of purchasing health insurance on-line. If you do:
- Update your browser with the best security features
- Use only a secure website to transmit information
- Make sure the carrier is legitimate through the NH Department of Insurance website
- Be sure the carrier has a good record when dealing with complaints by checking with the NH Department of Insurance and the Better Business Bureau
- Take extra precautions when paying with a credit card
