People who don't get a benefits packet.
Sam Clayland works mainly with people who buy health insurance on their own or for a small team: self-employed people, 1099 contractors, skilled tradespeople, restaurant owners and staff, real estate professionals, and small business owners. His old site also named two more groups: employees paying too much, and what he called the forgotten ones.
- Self-employed, in generalThe main guide: every coverage type, who it suits, and who it is wrong for.
- 1099 contractorsYour income moves, and nobody is splitting the premium with you. Sam starts with what you actually netted, then compares a Marketplace plan with anything else you may qualify for.
- People who work with their handsElectricians, plumbers, roofers, and HVAC techs have questions a desk worker never asks, starting with what happens when you get hurt on the job.
- Restaurant owners and staffOwners and staff have different doors. An owner with employees may use SHOP. A server with no job-based offer may qualify for Marketplace savings, tips included in the income estimate.
- Real estate professionalsCommissions land when deals close, and you may have no employer plan to join. Sam starts with a realistic income estimate for the year, then walks through what fits it.
- Small business ownersWith no employees you are self-employed for coverage purposes. With even one, other doors open. Sam looks at your head count and entity type before anything else.