Private Health Plans for the Self-Employed in Utah

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

Utah allows a short-term policy of up to 363 days, but it cannot be renewed.

Utah at a glance for the self-employed

Utahns shop on HealthCare.gov. Six carriers are selling for 2026 and 2027: BridgeSpan, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, SelectHealth, University of Utah Health Plans, Imperial and Molina, which now serves only two southwest counties. About 387,000 people enrolled for 2026, Utah's second-highest year.

• Mild 2027 rates on average. Carriers proposed about 7% overall, but it ranges from about 4% at Regence to about 15% at University of Utah Health Plans and 16% at Imperial.
• Short-term with a catch. Utah allows a short-term policy of up to 363 days, but it cannot be renewed.
• Subsidies did the heavy lifting. About 90% of 2026 enrollees got a subsidy, averaging about $499 a month, leaving a typical net premium near $68. Above the 400% line, you pay the 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 Utah

• Short-term plans. Utah allows one short-term policy of up to 363 days, and it cannot be renewed. Plan what comes after it before you buy.
• 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 Utah, and when it is not

With six carriers on HealthCare.gov for 2027 and proposed 2027 increases averaging about 7%, a healthy Utah 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.

Utah questions I hear a lot

Which carriers sell Marketplace plans in Utah?

Six for 2026 and 2027: BridgeSpan, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, SelectHealth, University of Utah Health Plans, Imperial and Molina, which now covers only two southwest counties.

How much are Utah premiums going up for 2027?

Carriers proposed about 7% on average, from about 4% at Regence to about 16% at Imperial.

Can I renew a short-term plan in Utah?

No. Utah allows a short-term policy of up to 363 days, but it cannot be renewed.

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

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 Utah 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.