Insurance Questions? We Have Straight Answers.

Absolutely. Self-employed plumbers are eligible for ACA marketplace plans, and many qualify for meaningful premium tax credits depending on income and household size. The key is having a licensed advisor calculate your exact subsidy eligibility before you assume coverage is unaffordable. Many plumbing professionals find their effective monthly cost is significantly lower than they expected.

The best plan depends on your state, your income, whether you have a family, and which doctors and hospitals you use. In most states, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans have the broadest networks and the most flexibility. For plumbing contractors earning moderate income, Silver-tier ACA plans with cost-sharing reductions often provide the best value. TradesFirst Health advisors compare every option in your specific state and county.

Yes. Accident insurance pays scheduled cash benefits for covered injuries — including ER visits, fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, burns, dislocations, and surgery following an accident. It pays you directly — not to a hospital or contractor — so you can use the funds for medical bills, mortgage payments, or any other expense during recovery.

Yes. Self-employed individuals — including licensed plumbers and plumbing contractors — can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums paid for themselves and their families from their federal income tax. This deduction applies even if you take the standard deduction. It's one of the most valuable tax benefits available to self-employed tradespeople.

In most states, you need a minimum of 2 eligible full-time employees (including yourself as the owner) to qualify for small group coverage. With a crew of 4, you have multiple group plan options from major carriers. TradesFirst Health handles the entire setup — carrier selection, employee enrollment, Section 125 cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll savings), and annual renewal — at no cost to your business.

Short-term disability replaces 60–70% of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working — typically for up to 6 months to 2 years depending on the policy. For self-employed plumbers with no paid sick leave, this is often the most important financial protection available. A back injury that sidelines you for 10 weeks means 10 weeks of income lost — disability coverage prevents that from becoming a financial crisis.

Qualifying life events trigger a 60-day Special Enrollment Period that allows enrollment outside of Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15). Qualifying events include: losing existing coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving to a new state or county. Starting a new business as a self-employed plumber may also qualify in some states. TradesFirst Health advisors can determine your eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period at any time.