Private Health Plans for the Self-Employed in Michigan

I am an independent, licensed health insurance broker, and I am licensed in Michigan. If you are self-employed, a 1099 contractor, or a freelancer, this page covers the options that sit outside the Marketplace — what is actually available in Michigan, what the trade-offs are, and when a private plan is the wrong answer. There is no fee for my help. The insurance company pays the broker, not you.

Michigan caps short-term coverage at 185 days — far shorter than the 36 months some states allow.

Michigan at a glance for the self-employed

Michiganders shop on HealthCare.gov. Seven carriers are selling for 2026 and 2027: Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Oscar, McLaren, Meridian, Priority Health and UnitedHealthcare. Three others left at the end of 2025: UM Health Plan, HAP CareSource and Molina. About 497,000 people picked a plan for 2026.

• 2027 rates. Carriers proposed an average increase of about 14%, from about 11% at Priority Health to about 26% at UnitedHealthcare.
• Healthy Michigan Plan. Michigan expanded Medicaid, so adults up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify during a slow year.
• Short-term is short here. Michigan caps short-term coverage at 185 days, so self-employed people usually compare Marketplace plans with medically underwritten private plans instead.
• Subsidies mattered. The average Michigan subsidy was about $536 a month in 2026. Above the 400% line, you pay full price.

The 400% line matters more here than most people expect. For 2027 the credit stops above $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four, and there is no phase-out. See the full 2027 income limits.

Your private options in Michigan

• Short-term plans. Michigan caps short-term coverage at 185 days, which makes it a stopgap between jobs rather than a plan to live on.
• Medically underwritten private plans. Health questions up front, often lower premiums for healthy applicants, broad PPO networks, and applications accepted any month.
• Supplemental coverage. Accident, critical-illness and hospital plans can soften a high deductible. How it works.

When private is the right call in Michigan, and when it is not

With seven carriers on HealthCare.gov for 2027 and proposed 2027 increases averaging about 14%, a healthy Michigan freelancer or business owner over the subsidy line often saves real money with a private plan.

Stay with HealthCare.gov if you have an ongoing condition, are pregnant or planning to be, take expensive prescriptions, or qualify for a meaningful tax credit. If that is you, I will say so.

The tax piece

Most self-employed people can deduct their health insurance premiums, which also lowers the income that counts toward a subsidy. How it works for 1099 workers.

Michigan questions I hear a lot

Which carriers sell Marketplace plans in Michigan?

Seven for 2026 and 2027: Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Oscar, McLaren, Meridian, Priority Health and UnitedHealthcare.

How much are Michigan premiums going up for 2027?

Carriers proposed about 14% on average, from about 11% at Priority Health to about 26% at UnitedHealthcare.

What is the Healthy Michigan Plan?

Michigan's Medicaid expansion for adults with income up to 138% of the poverty level.

What if I earn more than 400% of the poverty level in Michigan?

You pay the full Marketplace price. For healthy applicants a private medically underwritten plan is often cheaper. I compare both at no cost.

Posey Health Solutions · National Producer Number 20609967 · licensed in Michigan and 30 other states. This page is general information, not advice about a specific plan, and it is not tax advice. Plan availability, carrier participation, and duration limits vary by county, carrier, and plan year, and the rules can change.