Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Explained

Self-employed health insurance deduction: a fan of $450 monthly premium bills and a $5,400 deduction on Schedule 1, line 17

The self-employed health insurance deduction lets you subtract the health insurance premiums you pay from your income. You take it on Schedule 1 of your Form 1040, so you get it even if you don’t itemize. It’s one of the most valuable freelancer tax deductions, because health coverage is often a freelancer’s biggest monthly bill. … Read more

HSA for Self-Employed: The Triple Tax Benefit Explained

HSA for self-employed: three rising steps showing the triple tax benefit, deductible money in, tax-free growth and tax-free spending on medical costs

An HSA for self-employed people is a savings account for medical costs with a rare triple tax benefit. You can open one if you have a high-deductible health plan, even without an employer. In 2026, you can put in up to $4,400 with self-only coverage or $8,750 with family coverage. It pairs naturally with the … Read more

How to Buy ACA Marketplace Insurance When You’re Self-Employed

ACA Marketplace for self-employed: an application screen asking for net self-employment income of $66,000, with the tax credit marked eligible

Using the ACA Marketplace for self-employed coverage works much like it does for anyone else. You apply at HealthCare.gov or your state’s exchange, report your household and income, and pick a plan. The big difference is your income. Since nobody hands you a W-2, you have to estimate your net profit for the year, and … Read more

Health Insurance for Freelancers: Every Option Compared

Health insurance for freelancers: a shield with a medical cross surrounded by options like Marketplace, spouse's plan, HSA, COBRA and Medicaid

For most people, the best health insurance for freelancers is either an ACA Marketplace plan or a spouse’s employer plan. Both cover pre-existing conditions and the essential benefits required by law. Other options, like COBRA or Medicaid, fit specific situations. Choosing coverage is one of the biggest money decisions in your first year, which is … Read more