Resources for Helpers: Medical Insurance

As independent business owners, users of the Taskrabbit Delivery Platform who are registered as Helpers and Hands are free to set their own hours, choose their own jobs, and are their own boss. This freedom also means that Helpers and Hands are responsible for taking charge of their own business risk management and health security. 

We’ve compiled this resource on occupational medical insurance to assist Helpers and Hands who may be considering purchasing this sort of insurance.

What is Medical Insurance?

Medical insurance (also known as health insurance) is a contract with an insurance provider that covers part or all of the cost of medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It provides financial protection against high, unexpected healthcare costs, sharing the expense of care through premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

As independent business owners, Helpers and Hands are for their own health costs. Purchasing a health plan can help provide peace of mind when it comes to future health costs.

What Does Medical Insurance Typically Cover?

While specific policy details (like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) vary between plans, many medical insurance plans cover a wide range of essential health services:

• Essential Health Benefits (EHB): Plans typically cover essential categories of services, including:
  • Doctor visits (primary care and specialists)
  • Emergency services and hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient care)
  • Prescription drugs
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services
  • Rehabilitative services (like physical therapy)
  • Maternity and newborn care
• Preventive Care: Many plans cover a wide range of preventive services, such as annual check-ups, vaccines, and screenings (like for blood pressure or cancer), often at no out-of-pocket cost.
• Protection from High Costs: Health insurance plans typically contain an out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most an insured will have to pay for covered services in a year; after the limit is reached, the plan pays 100% of covered costs for the rest of the plan year.

How to Get Medical Insurance

As independent business owners, Helpers and Hands have several ways to find and purchase health coverage:

• Individual Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA):
  • What it is: Government-run online platforms (like HealthCare.gov or state equivalents) to compare and enroll in plans.
  • Financial Help: The platforms can help identify qualifications for premium tax credits and other savings based estimated household income, which can significantly lower monthly costs.
  • Enrollment: Enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period or during a Special Enrollment Period for qualifying life events.
• Directly Contacting Insurers: Insurance can be purchased directly from a private insurance company (e.g., Cigna Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare). 
• Licensed Insurance Agent or Broker: Agents specialize in finding the right coverage for an individual’s or a business’ unique needs and can compare plans from multiple providers, including those both on and off the government marketplaces.

Additional Resources:

• HealthCare.gov - Government platform to shop, compare, and enroll in individual health plans, and check eligibility for financial assistance
• Find Your State’s Marketplace - A resource to find the specific health insurance exchange for states that run their own (e.g., Covered California).
• Medicaid.gov - Official information on free or low-cost coverage programs for eligible individuals and families.
• Trusted Choice Agent Finder - A tool to locate a licensed independent insurance agent who can help you compare plan options