Health Insurance for Uber Drivers

Posted: March 08, 2023

Finding health insurance as an Uber driver can be difficult. Uber drivers are not technically considered employees and are instead called independent contractors in most states. Because they are considered independent contractors, Uber drivers do not have the same benefits or health care coverage as salaried employees.

As a result, drivers often have to cover their own health care payments and medical expenses, meaning bills and fees can add up over time. However, if you live in California, you have more health care coverage and options than in many other states.

California Proposition 22

Uber drivers get health insurance in California. For those who work in pre-arranged transportation or on-demand delivery service industries using their personal vehicle, the new California Prop 22 ballot measure ensures health coverage.

The Prop 22 ballot measure was voted on during the November 2020 state election and was created as an exception to Assembly Bill 5. Prop 22 ensures gig-economy drivers are considered employees rather than contractors. The ballot measure also comes with a test to determine whether a worker can be classified as an independent contractor.

There are a few requirements a driver must meet:

• Performing outside work: The driver must provide transportation outside the original company’s regular business.
• Free from company direction: The driver should work free from company direction or company control in their performance.
• Working in an established business: The driver must work for an established business, trade or occupation in the same area as the work performed for the company.

How to Get Health Insurance for Uber Drivers

If you’re an Uber driver who wants to find health insurance in California, there are a few ways you can sign up for a new plan. From Medicaid and the ACA to the open enrollment period and COBRA, you can explore various ways to find health insurance that fits your needs.

Affordable Care Act

Because Uber doesn’t provide direct health insurance to its drivers, many drivers find health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Through the ACA, you can find many affordable health care options that suit your needs. If you already have ACA coverage, you can keep it while working as an Uber driver.

Browse the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to see what options are available to you under the ACA.

COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) ensures that workers transitioning to independent contractor jobs can keep their previous coverage for a specified amount of time. If you’re leaving a salaried W-2 role to become an Uber driver full-time, you should be able to keep your current care plan for several months, giving you time to find a new plan that works for you.

This continuation coverage is essential for individuals transitioning between employment, and the law states that you can remain on employee-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving your company. Remember that this coverage option won’t last forever, and you may have to pay more every month, as your employer will no longer cover your payments.

Open and Special Enrollment

The Marketplace’s Open Enrollment period allows individuals to apply for health care once every year. A special enrollment period applies to eligible individuals who may need to apply for health care due to special circumstances like a lost job or a sudden move.

If you qualify for special enrollment, you can apply for health care sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the open enrollment period, which begins in November and ends in January.

Medicaid and CHIP

California offers Medicaid insurance through Medi-Cal. You can also sign your children up for the Child’s Health Insurance Program if the situation applies. Both of these programs are meant for low-income families who need access to health care.

In California, your eligibility for Medicaid depends on your annual household income. Many who work part-time for Uber might not make enough to qualify for other forms of health care, and can instead apply for benefits under Medicaid.

Proof of Coverage Form

Thanks to Prop 22, Uber drivers and other gig-economy workers can receive money to help cover their health care costs. If you enroll through Covered California, you might be eligible for government subsidies or additional money from Uber to help pay for your monthly costs.

You’ll have to submit the proper documents to prove you’ve already enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace. A California health care enrollment form for Uber drivers can ensure you find the right coverage for your needs.

Tips for Choosing Uber Driver Medical Insurance

When choosing Uber driver medical insurance, you might want to follow a few tips to ensure you make the right decision. Here are four tips for choosing health insurance:

1. Consider Benefits

Think about the kind of benefits you require with your health care plan. If you need preventive care or have specific needs that your provider should meet, you can explore unique plans to fit your health requirements.

2. Annual Costs

The annual cost of your medical insurance is an important consideration. Perhaps you want a plan that costs less and covers general health risks. Maybe you feel comfortable paying a little more to have your unique medical needs mostly covered. Either way, be sure to factor in the expected costs of each plan you browse.

3. Plan Options

Explore all your options before choosing a health care plan. Many plans come in various levels, including deductible prices or co-pay agreements. Familiarizing yourself with the plan options of each health care company can help you find the best deal on the market.

4. When and Where to Enroll

Be sure you understand when and where to enroll in your health plan. If you’re looking for a plan during Open Enrollment, you can sign up for coverage and expect it to start on January 1 of the following year. If you need coverage outside of that period, you must qualify for special enrollment.

Get a Quote From Health for California

Health for California is a health insurance agency that has been operating since 2004. Our professionals are licensed by the California Department of Insurance and work closely with Covered California to find you the best health insurance to fit your needs. If you work in the gig economy and need help getting health insurance, our team can help.

Contact us today to speak to a representative or explore our services online.