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We'll look at direct primary care options in your area and contact you with your estimate.
Prefer to talk now? Call (214) 307-8614The self-employed squeeze
When you work for yourself in Texas, you pay for everything: the monthly price, the deductible and every visit. Since the extra federal tax credits ended after 2025, the size of your Marketplace tax credit depends heavily on your income. A good year can mean a smaller credit, or none, and a bill at tax time if your estimate was too low.
Texas numbers show the hit. Individual-plan prices rose about 34.7% on average for 2026 before any credit, and even for enrollees who get a credit, the average monthly cost rose from $57 to $89 (source). Above 400% of the federal poverty level ($63,840 for one person, $132,000 for a family of four) there's no credit at all (source). That's why many contractors, trades businesses, real-estate agents, truckers and owner-operators look at the alternatives. The monthly amount is fixed, it doesn't depend on your income, and you can start in any month.
Your realistic choices
- A Marketplace plan with a tax credit. Best when your income is modest and the credit is large, or when anyone in the house has an ongoing condition.
- A spouse's employer plan. Often the best deal if it's available.
- Direct primary care + health sharing + a dental savings plan. Often the lowest monthly cost for healthy households paying full price.
- Short-term plans. Insurance with limits; see how they compare. We don't sell them.
When the alternative usually wins
- Your income is too high for much of a tax credit (above 400% of the federal poverty level, there's none).
- Everyone in the household is generally healthy, with no condition that needs paying for in year one.
- You'd rather have a doctor's team you can reach by phone or video than a copay for every visit.
- You can set aside your Initial Unshareable Amount for a bad month.
When insurance usually wins
- Your income qualifies for a large tax credit, or someone in the house qualifies for Texas Medicaid or CHIP.
- Someone has a serious ongoing condition, or a pregnancy is planned soon.
- You need regular counseling or therapy (health sharing caps it at $750 a year).
A note on taxes
Self-employed people can often deduct health insurance premiums. Health sharing isn't insurance, so that deduction may not apply to it, and direct primary care fees have their own rules. We don't give tax advice.
Have employees?
This site is for individuals and families. If you have a crew, mention it when you get your options and we'll tell you what's possible.
What it might cost you
Prices as of October 2026. The amount is set by household size, age and the IUA you choose, not by your income. See the full table.
Illustrative example · October 2026
Self-employed electrician, age 44
$196.76 /month
Member only, oldest member 40–49, $2,500 Initial Unshareable Amount per Need, non-tobacco. Combined medical cost sharing + virtual primary care membership. Optional dental savings plan from $8.95/month. Not a quote; your amount depends on your household.
Illustrative example · October 2026
Family business, parents in their 30s
$694.66 /month
Member + family, oldest member 30–39, $1,500 Initial Unshareable Amount per Need, non-tobacco. Combined medical cost sharing + virtual primary care membership. Optional dental savings plan from $8.95/month. Not a quote; your amount depends on your household.
Common questions
What is the best health insurance for self-employed people in Texas?
We don't recommend insurance plans. What we can say: if your income qualifies for a large tax credit, a Marketplace plan is often the best value. If you pay full price and your household is healthy, the alternatives on this page often cost less.
Can I deduct health sharing as a business expense?
Ask your tax preparer. Health sharing isn't insurance, so the self-employed health insurance deduction may not apply.
Can I start mid-year?
Yes. Health sharing has no open-enrollment window. A Marketplace plan requires open enrollment or a special enrollment window.
What if my income drops later?
You can move to a Marketplace plan during open enrollment, or sooner if a qualifying event opens a special enrollment window. If your income falls low, check whether anyone in your household qualifies for Texas Medicaid or CHIP.
Sources
- Texas Marketplace guide: 2026 and proposed 2027 rates, insurers, enrollment, open enrollment (healthinsurance.org, updated Aug 27, 2026)
- 'It doesn't have to be like this': Thousands of Texans lost health insurance this year (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Sep 14, 2026)
- Sedera + Akos MD combined monthly price schedule, October 2026 (provided by the programs)
- Sedera SELECT+ Membership Guidelines, v231001 (rules on IUA, pre-existing conditions, maternity, prescriptions)
Want to see what this would cost your household?
Tell us who needs care and what you pay now. We'll walk you through the options, including when insurance is the better fit.
Free, no obligation. Texas households only.