A lot of salon professionals are under the subsidy line, especially in the first few years or after a slow season, and a marketplace plan through Pennie may cost far less than they think. Others are well over it and have never heard of a plan priced on health instead of income.
Text me your age, zip, and roughly what you cleared last year. I’ll tell you which side of the line you’re on and what that means before we even book the call.
I’m Nathan Baughman, owner of BIG Benefits for Small Business in Doylestown. Booth renters are exactly who I mean when I say “actual small business”: a business of one, with real income, real expenses, and no HR department.
Marketplace (Pennie) if your household income is under roughly $64,000 (single) or $86,000 (couple) for 2027 coverage: you may qualify for a tax credit and, under about 250% of poverty, lower deductibles and copays too.
Private, underwritten plan if you’re above that and healthy: priced on your health, PPO network, enroll any month, guaranteed renewable.
Short-term to bridge a move between salons or a wait for open enrollment, up to four months in PA.
Add-ons: dental and vision (cheap, any time), a small accident policy, and term life if anyone depends on your income.
You probably qualify for more than you think, one way or the other. Variable income is manageable. Deduct the premiums. Protect your hands.
“Nathan was amazing! I struggled for almost a year to find the right insurance for me and in just a few short weeks he found a plan that worked.” — Google review
Skipping it because the income moves. Your income being variable is a reason to talk to a person, not a reason to go without. Subsidies can be adjusted mid-year as your book changes.
Not deducting it. If you file a Schedule C, your premiums are deductible. Your accountant can only deduct what you tell them you paid.
Nothing for your hands and back. Repetitive strain, a cut, a fall. An accident or disability policy on top of health insurance is what actually protects the thing you earn with.
1. Is there a maximum out-of-pocket? 2. Is it an unlimited contract? 3. Is it guaranteed renewable? If a plan uses words like “deductible” and “PPO network,” that doesn’t automatically make it actual health insurance. These three questions do.
Send me an age and a zip code and I’ll send back a general idea of what’s available in your area. Twenty minutes, no charge, no pressure. Happy to answer any and all questions so you can make the most informed decision for you, your family, or your business.
