1099 · LLC · Sole proprietors · Gig work

Health insurance for self-employed Michiganders

No employer plan doesn’t mean no good options. A local advisor helps you match a 2027 plan to your doctors, budget and uneven income, without overpaying or getting a surprise at tax time.

Your info goes to one licensed Michigan advisor, never sold. Not to a call center, not to a list of “partners.”

Marketplace + tax credits
HSA-eligible Bronze
Grows with you into group

Talk to a local advisor

Your info goes to one licensed Michigan advisor at Nexus. Never sold. No pitch, no obligation.

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This is a request for help, not an application for coverage. Nexus Benefit Solutions is a private, independent agency and is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, CMS, the State of Michigan or DIFS. Please don't include medical details in this form.

Your options when you work for yourself

Marketplace plan (HealthCare.gov). The only way to get a premium tax credit. Your credit is based on your expected 2027 household income (for most self-employed people, roughly net profit after business expenses, not gross receipts).
HSA-eligible Bronze plan. Starting in 2026, all Bronze and Catastrophic Marketplace plans are HSA-eligible. For 2027 you can put up to $4,500 (self-only) or $9,000 (family) in an HSA, plus $1,000 if you’re 55 or older. [IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-24; healthinsurance.org]
Off-Marketplace plan. Same ACA protections, but no tax credit, so it usually fits only if your income is over the subsidy limit.
A spouse’s employer plan. If it’s affordable, you generally can’t get a Marketplace credit, so compare both carefully.
Hiring help? Once you have employees, small-group coverage, an ICHRA or a QSEHRA may open up. See small-business health insurance in Michigan.

Three numbers self-employed Michiganders should know for 2027

$63,840 / $132,000: about 400% of the poverty level for one person / a family of four. Above it, there’s no federal credit for 2027. [healthinsurance.org]

10.22%: the most you’re expected to pay for the benchmark Silver plan, as a share of income, between 300% and 400% of the poverty level. [healthinsurance.org / IRS]

14.2%: the average 2027 increase Michigan insurers requested for individual plans (proposed, subject to DIFS approval). [DIFS]

Check my numbers with an advisor

Uneven 1099 income? Plan for reconciliation

Advance credits are paid to your insurer each month based on your estimate, then squared up on Form 8962 with your tax return. Starting with 2026 coverage, there’s no cap on paying back excess advance credit, so a good year you didn’t plan for can mean a bigger tax bill. [26 U.S.C. §36B; OBBBA §71305]

Things that can lower the income the Marketplace counts include deductible retirement contributions (for example, a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k)) and HSA contributions. Ask your tax professional what fits you. We coordinate with CPAs but don’t give tax advice.

Report big income changes during the year on HealthCare.gov so your advance credit adjusts.

The self-employed health insurance deduction

If you have net self-employment earnings, you may be able to deduct premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse and dependents (IRS Form 7206, reported on Schedule 1). If you also receive a premium tax credit, the IRS has special worksheets (Publication 974) because the credit and the deduction affect each other. You can’t deduct premiums the credit paid for. [IRS Form 7206 instructions; Pub. 974]

General information, not tax advice. Check with your tax professional.

Why a Michigan advisor instead of a national call center

Local carriers, plan by plan

Michigan’s Marketplace insurers and networks differ by county. See what’s sold in Kent, Wayne, Ingham/Eaton/Clinton, Washtenaw, Grand Traverse and other counties. Mostly app-based work? See 1099 & gig workers.

One person, all year

Income changes, a new client, a move or a new baby. You call the same advisor, not a queue.

Built for the next step

When you hire, Nexus also handles small-group and ICHRA benefits, so you don’t start over with a new broker.

Deadlines for 2027: enroll by December 15, 2026 for January 1 coverage; Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2027. Full details on our Open Enrollment 2027 guide. Related reading: how AGI affects Marketplace subsidies.

2-minute advisor Q&A

Self-employed? Getting health insurance right

A Nexus advisor answers the questions we hear most. (Video coming soon.)

How do I estimate income when my 1099 work is uneven?
Is an HSA-eligible Bronze plan right for me?
Can I deduct my premiums and get a tax credit?
What changes when I hire my first employee?

2-minute advisor Q&A Video coming soon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best health insurance for self-employed people in Michigan?

There isn't one best plan. It depends on your expected income, doctors, prescriptions and county. For many self-employed people, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit or an HSA-eligible Bronze plan is the starting point. An advisor can compare the 2027 plans sold in your ZIP code.

Can I get a subsidy if I'm self-employed?

Yes, if your expected 2027 household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you don't have an affordable employer plan available. For 2027 coverage, 400% is about $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four. Michigan adults up to 138% generally qualify for Medicaid instead.

What income do I put on my Marketplace application if I'm self-employed?

Your best estimate of 2027 household income as the Marketplace counts it, which for self-employment is generally net earnings after business expenses. Update it during the year if it changes, because excess advance credits must be repaid in full at tax time starting with 2026 coverage.

Can I deduct my health insurance premiums?

Many self-employed people can deduct premiums on Form 7206. If you also get a premium tax credit, IRS Publication 974 explains how to coordinate the two. Check with your tax professional.

Can I open an HSA with a Marketplace plan?

Yes, with an HSA-eligible plan. Starting in 2026, all Bronze and Catastrophic Marketplace plans are HSA-eligible. The 2027 HSA limits are $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage.

Will you sell my information?

No. Your information goes to one licensed Michigan advisor at Nexus and is never sold.

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