Self-Employed

Employees are generally workers whose income you report on a W-2 form at the end of the year. (Hiring independent contractors to do some work for you does not necessarily mean they are your employees.)

See the IRS website about how to know if people who work for you are considered employees.

Do your best to estimate your income and expenses for the year you want health coverage. Base your estimate on your past experience, realistic expectations and industry standards. 

Financial help is based on your estimated net income for the year you want coverage, not last year’s income.

After you enroll:, if it looks like your income will be higher or lower than you estimated, make sure to tell us. Report changes as soon as possible.

If you apply for coverage with financial help, report income from everyone in your household, including those who don’t need coverage. 

Report any changes to your household size or income as soon as possible.

If you don’t report changes:

• You could miss out on financial help (and pay higher costs!).
• You could have to pay money back to the government. You may have to repay benefits that you received but were not eligible for.

No. MNsure does not offer small group health insurance. However, your employees can apply for health plans through MNsure.

You can end your coverage through MNsure and enroll in your employer’s insurance. 

If you have an offer of job-based coverage, in most cases you won't qualify for tax credits through MNsure. This is true even if you don't enroll in the job-based coverage.

In rare cases, your employer’s coverage:

• will not be considered affordable to you or
• won’t meet minimum standards.

If this is true, you may qualify for financial help through MNsure based on your income.

Does your spouse’s plan offer coverage to spouses and dependents?

• Yes: In most cases, you won’t qualify for tax credits through MNsure.
• No: You may qualify for tax credits through MNsure. Fill out an application to get an official decision.

In most cases, a married couple must file a joint federal tax return to be eligible for financial help through MNsure.