How does California health insurance work with 1099 Contract Workers?

In California, Group health insurance has many protections under State law such as Guaranteed Issue eligibility.

Many people these days, work as 1099 or Contract workers and that has an impact on their health insurance options.

In order to qualify for coverage through an employer-sponsored health plan, there must be an employer-employee or ownership relationship.

Translation...on W2 or ownership capacity

1099 contract workers are not employees as they do not show on the DE6 or quarterly payroll report to the State of California.

Essentially, in the eyes of the State, they are self-employed.

Because of this status, they typically cannot enroll on a Group health insurance plan.

Health Insurance options for 1099 Contract workers

Unless a contact worker is brought on as an employee and appears on the DE6, he/she should look to get either separate California individual health insurance or his/her own Small Group plan if the company is eligible OR get Covered California.

You can find more information on Small Group eligibility to see this is an option.

There are pros and cons to both individual health coverage and Small Group in California for the 1099 contract worker.

Ultimately, if a person thinks their ongoing status will likely remain on a 1099 contract status, they really should obtain their own coverage.

What if a 1099 contract worker is offered full employment and Group health coverage

Occasionally, 1099 contract workers will be offered employment from the company they are doing business with.

There are, however, some important issues to consider first before canceling your individual coverage.

Individual and Family plans are no longer medically underwritten so health is not a concern

How likely is the job (and health insurance) to be permanent or long term?

If you are not sure how the job will work out, it might make sense to keep your individual plan for a period of time to see if the company works well for you.

The key take away for 1099 contact workers is that they are NOT covered by California State law AB 1672 which regulates Small Group health insurance.

They must establish their own health insurance plan on an individual or group basis as they are considered self-employed.

This is a major consideration when deciding whether to take employment based on an employer-employee relationship or contract 1099 status.

Covered California and 1099 Workers

An important consideration is that a self-employed person can use his/her net business income (after business expenses are deducted). Our first step is to figure out if you are eligible for a tax credit.

A 5 minute call to 800-320-6269 or email at help@calhealth.net will quickly establish your options.

Other important concepts to help you understand your California group health insurance quote are:

Individual versus Cobra option

You can run your Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services. Call 800-320-6269 Today!