Private Health Plans for the Self-Employed in Montana

I am an independent, licensed health insurance broker, and I am licensed in Montana. 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 Montana, 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.

Montana law allows short-term plans to run up to 36 months including renewals.

Montana at a glance for the self-employed

Montanans shop on HealthCare.gov, in one of the smallest markets I serve. Three carriers sold plans for 2026: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Montana Health CO-OP and PacificSource. PacificSource leaves after 2026, so two remain for 2027. About 73,000 people enrolled for 2026.

• Big approved increases. 2027 rates are up about 23% on average: about 22% at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and 27% at Montana Health CO-OP.
• One of the last CO-OPs. Montana Health CO-OP is one of only two ACA-created CO-OPs still selling coverage.
• Reinsurance since 2020 helps hold down full-price premiums for people who get no subsidy.
• Medicaid expanded. Adults up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify, and you can apply any time of year.

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 Montana

• Short-term plans. Montana allows short-term coverage for up to 36 months including renewals. That length makes them tempting, but they usually exclude pre-existing conditions and often leave out prescriptions and maternity, so read the benefit summary line by line.
• Montana Health CO-OP. One of the last ACA-created co-ops, and one of only two carriers left on the Montana exchange for 2027.
• 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 Montana, and when it is not

With two carriers on HealthCare.gov for 2027 and approved 2027 increases averaging about 23%, a healthy Montana 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.

Montana questions I hear a lot

Which carriers sell Marketplace plans in Montana for 2027?

Two: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Montana Health CO-OP. PacificSource is leaving after 2026.

How much are Montana premiums going up for 2027?

Approved rates are up about 23% on average: about 22% at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and 27% at Montana Health CO-OP.

Did Montana expand Medicaid?

Yes. Adults with income up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify, and enrollment is year-round.

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

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 Montana 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.