Here at Cuspide, we believe that truck drivers are the backbone of the United States economy. Often overlooked for everything they do; they are unsung heroes. Which means that they must be protected at all costs and what better way than to get some health coverage.
From the options, to the costs, and how to get it. In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about affordable health insurance for truck drivers. Want to know more or ready to browse plans? Contact us at Cuspide today.
Key Points
- Truckers will usually pay low monthly premiums due to their expenses and adjusted gross income.
- Truck drivers can compare and choose from individual & family plans through the health insurance marketplace.
- Get coverage while on the road thanks to the essential health benefits from the Obamacare law.
If you prefer to watch a video on this topic, we made one over at the Cuspide Insurance youtube channel!
Health insurance options for truck drivers
When it comes to trucker medical insurance, you should know that there are 2 main options for health coverage. You have employer sponsored plans and a plan through the health insurance marketplace. The most common type of medical insurance for truckers is through the health insurance marketplace (Obamacare). Let’s go over the two different options so you can see which one is better for you.
Employer-sponsored plan
One of the ways truck drivers can get health coverage is through their employer. Some trucking companies offer their drivers health insurance. But some don’t (usually they don’t). Especially if you are your own operator (owner-operators). Before you try and buy a plan from the Affordable Care Act (ACA marketplace), you should contact your employer first. However, if you drive for yourself, then this is not an option for you, and you need to go with the next choice.
Health Insurance Marketplace *
Also known as Obamacare (ACA) this is the most common type of trucker’s health insurance. We have lots of clients that are truckers, and they all get it through the marketplace with us. Under Obamacare, there are lots of different health insurance companies, so you can compare and choose the best one for you. The best part is that most likely you will qualify for affordable plans (under $10/mo!) But which one is good? Let’s go into some of the best medical insurance for truck drivers.
Best health insurance for truck drivers
The best health insurance for big rig drivers is based on what you want out of your plan. If you be at the doctor frequently, you may want to spend a little more, if not then something on a “just in case” bases will do. It’s important to know that 4 out of 5 people who apply will qualify for a $10 a month or less plan! So, you shouldn’t really worry if price is your thing.
Inside the Affordable Care Act, there are lots of health insurance companies. Most noticeably: United Healthcare, Oscar Health, BlueCross & BlueShield, Ambetter, Cigna, Aetna, Molina, and many more!
What we tell clients all the time is that one is not better than other. It is based on different factors like income, age, location, household size, etc. Your next-door neighbor may have a completely different plan than you!
But since everyone loves a list we will break it down into a top five. Here are the Top 5 Best Health Insurance Companies For Truck Drivers:
- BlueCross & BlueShield
- Ambetter Health
- Oscar
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
It is possible that none of these may appear in your area but these are usually a solid choice for coverage. For any career. These companies have a large network of providers which is good since truckers are usually on the road and an accident could happen anywhere.
The “best” medical insurance for truck drivers is usually the one that comes up first with $0 deductible and low co-pays (which we are masters at finding!) If you want to know which one is best for you, contact us at Cuspide (305) 970-8583 and we will quote you at no cost. Let’s dive into the costs of trucker medical insurance.
How much do truckers pay for health insurance?
Truck drivers will pay low monthly premiums because of their adjusted gross income after taxes. The most important thing you must know about cost is that it all depends on your household income and size (how many dependents as well.) For example, a man making $50,000 a year by himself will pay more than if he had 2 dependents. The thing with truck drivers is that they are usually paid through 1099, so nothing is discounted from their pay. You may make $100,000+ a year pre-tax and after taxes it’s almost nothing.
Obamacare plans are based on your after-tax income. (Which is why our trucker clients usually pay very little monthly premiums.) But how do you find out what you are going to pay? If you want an estimate, we have the official subsidy chart below where you can see where your household size falls into. Learn how to save more as well a bit later in the article.
ACA Subsidy Chart
Below are the income limits charts for Obamacare. This won’t exactly tell you what you will pay but it is a general estimate. The closer your household is to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, the cheaper your premiums will be. If you are past 400% that means you will not get a subsidy (Premium Tax Credits). But what is that? Let’s talk about it as it is very important.
Premium Tax Credits
Premium Tax Credit (PTC) is the credit you get monthly from the government that helps you pay for your plan. You get it every month so you can pay your health insurance plan. So going back to the chart, the closer you are to 100%, the more tax credits you will get and the cheaper the plan. This can be quite tricky, so we suggest reading our full guide about premium tax credit explained.
How truck drivers can get health insurance
Now that you know a little bit about your options, and how they work. How exactly do you get truckers health insurance? With how important your job is, you don’t want to be without coverage! The most common way is through an insurance agent/broker (like us at Cuspide!) We will help you compare and choose a plan, make payments, help find doctors, and help with anything you may need.
Cuspide completes the application through the federal health insurance marketplace. The whole process is quick and simple (under 10 minutes.) After you apply, you will receive your insurance card in a week or 2 and you will be good to go. It is that simple. Contact us at (305) 970-8583 for more information about health insurance!
What are the health insurance requirements for Truck Drivers?
Just like any other profession, truckers must also meet some of the requirements to apply for ACA plans (Affordable Care Act.) Keep in mind, if you are missing one of these but expecting it sometimes soon, you can also apply as it is based on projections. For example, your green card is arriving soon, but you want to apply now. Here are the requirements for trucker medical insurance:
- Have a household income (and meet the minimum)
- Citizen or resident of the United States
- Have a social security number
If you and other applicants have those 3 things, you can qualify for a plan through the health insurance marketplace. Keep in mind an insurance agent will need some personal information from you (which is standard procedure) to start an application. These are things like: Full name, address, social security, household members, and work information. You don’t want any surprises when you call an insurance agent!
Health insurance for truck drivers and their family
Like previously stated, ACA insurance (Obamacare) is based on household size. Whoever is in your income taxes, will be in the application (even if some aren’t getting coverage.) For example, you filed taxes with your spouse and 2 kids. In the insurance application all 4 of you will be there (even if the only one getting coverage is you!) Look back at the income limits chart and see how many people are in your taxes and then see if you qualify. However, if you need help, just contact us!
Medical Insurance for Truck Drivers (F.A.Q.)
Below we answer some of the most asked questions regarding truckers health insurance. If you have any specific questions you want to ask, feel free to contact Cuspide at (305) 970-8583!
If truck drivers get health insurance through the marketplace, they can get benefits that include doctor visits, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, rehab services, mental health, and substance services, and more! Due to the way they get paid, truckers will usually be able to get affordable health insurance. For those rig drivers who work for a company, they may receive a plan through their employer and get more health benefits. Contact Cuspide to learn more about affordable health insurance for truck drivers!
Yes, many companies offer health insurance to their drivers. It is common practice in the trucking industry. These benefits usually cover many medical expenses that truck drivers may experience. However, for those that don’t they can still get coverage through the health insurance marketplace. Inside, there are many affordable health plans truckers can compare and choose from. Contact an insurance agent/agency to learn more about trucker medical insurance.
Truck drivers can get a health plan through the marketplace (Obamacare) at affordable prices. Inside the ACA marketplace there are many different health insurance companies to choose from. Different types of plans like EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, and more. It is designed for all types of income ranges. Find $0 deductible and low copay plans through an insurance agent. If your employer does not provide a plan, this is your best choice. Contact Cuspide today at (305) 970-8583 to find out more!
The next steps in your Truckers Health Insurance journey
Now that you know a bit more about medical insurance for truck drivers you can decide. If your employer offers some type of coverage, you can go that route. And, if they don’t just know that hundreds and thousands of other truckers are covered through Obamacare. Truckers play a crucial role in the American economy, and they must be taken care of!
Get affordable health insurance for truck drivers today with Cuspide Insurance. We offer low-cost health plans in Florida, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolinda, and Tennessee! For the cargo carriers, contact us today at (305) 970-8583! Safe driving!
