While those who are self employed can get coverage similar to what employee benefits they'd get if they worked for a company, a new poll indicates that people who work for themselves rarely purchase a health plan.
According to the survey, which was conducted by research firm ORC International on behalf of a global health service company, of the 250 self-employed Americans who were polled, 25 percent of them indicated that they didn't have health insurance protection. That's a substantial share, given the fact that approximately 42 million Americans currently make up the self-employed workforce, based on the results of a recent study.
Even though these individuals are willingly uninsured, a substantial percentage of them nonetheless find themselves worried about what could happen should they encounter a serious illness. About 60 percent of respondents who didn't have health insurance said they often worry about what impact it could have on their business. This may be compounded by the fact that more than half of self-employed respondents only go the doctor if they feel sick rather than receiving an annual checkup.
Lisa Lough, vice president of the Connecticut-based insurer that commissioned the poll, indicated that sole proprietors are doing themselves and their business model a disservice by not acquiring coverage.
"America's small business owners and entrepreneurs – the independent contractors, sole proprietors and freelancers – power the economy," said Lough. "To stay healthy and successful, self-employed workers need to plan for their healthcare needs and think more about health care in terms of prevention, instead of reaction."
In 2014, business owners will be required to provide coverage for their workers, with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act going into effect. This mandate will not be required of sole proprietors for business purposes, but they will have to obtain a plan through a state-based insurance exchange for themselves if they don't pursue coverage through a private insurer.
