Service
Small Business Health Insurance
The entrepreneur’s guide to smarter coverage.
In this era of entrepreneurship and lifestyle freedom, more people are choosing to work for themselves as solopreneurs or run small businesses with employees. Whether you’re an independent consultant, tech freelancer, or owner of a trades or services company, John Lazas can serve as your business benefits advisor.
Most self-employed individuals and small business owners default to the Affordable Care Act exchange, thinking that it’s their only option when it comes to individual and small group health insurance. Luckily, it’s not. In some cases, a private individual or small group plan can save you more money, provide you better benefits, and give you better medical provider access. John Lazas can help you sort through all of your options and discover the one that is going to serve you / your employees the best.
National network access
The private health insurance plans we works with utilize national PPO networks, ideal for professionals and others who travel.
HSA compatibility
We offer Health Savings Account (HSA)-compatible health plans that can help you reduce your taxable income.
Provider choice
We ensure that the plan we are recommending includes the medical providers you like and want to keep before registering you it.
Year-round advocacy
Have questions or needs regarding your health coverage during the year? We can answer and address many of those with you directly.
Which network type is best for you?
Here’s a plain-English comparison:
| Feature | PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) | HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) | EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referrals required | Usually not; you can go to a specialist directly. | More often than not. | More often than not. |
| Out-of-state coverage | Yes. In-network coverage available in all 50 states. | In limited number of states (8-12). | Statewide-only. |
| Provider availability | Largest number of providers to choose from and who will accept such plans. Can usually go out-of network. | Moderate number of providers available. Generally must stay in regional network to have coverage. | Fewest number of providers. Generally must stay in-network. |
| Surgery/procedure pre-certification required? | In some cases. | In most cases. | In most cases. |
| Best for | Business and pleasure travelers, those who want to keep specific providers. | Those who don't travel much and/or who are flexible regarding providers. | Those who don't travel much and/or who don't need a large provider selection. |
Common Questions About Health Insurance
Are health insurance premiums tax-deductible if I’m self-employed?
As we are not licensed financial or tax advisors, we cannot provide advice on such matters. That said, many of our self-employed clients do run their health insurance premium payments through their business checking accounts.
Can I get a PPO plan if I’m not employed by someone else?
Yes! However, most PPOs are only available on the private market. John Lazas works with both private and Affordable Care Act plans.
What if I have a team of employees?
Your business and people may do better with individual employee plans if you have a smaller staff. On the other hand, a group plan may be the best fit. John can help you compare both possibilities and determine which will be best for your business.
Can I get a plan that covers my whole family if we’re all self-employed?
Absolutely. We specialize in customized plans that cover your entire family while preserving the tax benefits available to 1099 contractors and small business owners. The strategy depends on your combined household income and whether any family members qualify for subsidies independently.
What is an HSA and should I get one as a Boulder freelancer?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account paired with a high-deductible health plan. Contributions reduce your taxable income, grow tax-free, and can be used for qualified medical expenses. For higher-earning Boulder freelancers who don’t qualify for ACA subsidies, an HSA-compatible private plan is often the most financially efficient coverage strategy available.
How does Connect for Health Colorado work for the self-employed?
Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s ACA marketplace. Self-employed individuals use Connect for Health Colorado to buy individual health insurance plans, compare options, and qualify for income-based subsidies that lower their monthly costs.
Does it cost more to use a local broker like John instead of signing up myself?
No. Health insurance premiums in Colorado are set by the carriers. You pay the exact same price whether you enroll through John or directly via a carrier’s website. The difference is you get more than 10 years of expertise that will help you understand and compare your best options and determine the one that is best for your needs and budget, at no additional cost to you.
Ready to stop guessing about your coverage?
Have questions about self-employed health insurance in Boulder? Drop us a note. We personally respond to every inquiry, usually within a few hours during business days.
Local Expertise. Real Coverage. Zero Confusion.
Serving Boulder and the Front Range with personalized health insurance guidance. No 1-800 numbers, no confusion, just real local expertise.
