I can help you get a nationwide PPO in Montana. If you're a contractor based in Billings with clients in three or four states, here's how I'd compare a marketplace PPO with private coverage.
Hi, I'm Sam. I hold health insurance broker licenses in 36 states and work with plenty of 1099 earners. If you're contracting in Montana, we can get your coverage handled right from your truck.
Let's say you're a crop and soil consultant living in Laurel, west of Billings. Your seasonal contracts take you to farms and ranches throughout south-central Montana, northern Wyoming and western North Dakota, where you inspect fields and prepare fertility plans. Between April and October, you're traveling four days each week and sleeping in motels in small towns. Your customers all issue 1099s, but nobody offers health benefits. Since your home is in Yellowstone County, that's where you apply for coverage through HealthCare.gov.
For 2026, Yellowstone County offers 42 individual medical plans through three insurers. That breaks down to 25 PPOs, 9 POS plans and 8 EPOs. Around Billings, choosing a PPO means paying somewhat more. At age 40, before subsidies, the lowest-priced silver PPO is 10% more expensive than the lowest-priced silver POS. But much of rural Montana looks different. In 38 of Montana's 56 counties, the least expensive silver PPO actually costs 5% less than the lowest-priced alternative.
I can also arrange a private nationwide PPO for you in Montana. Approval and pricing depend on your health, and the network is built to include providers in places like Sheridan, Wyoming, and Dickinson, North Dakota.
With an EPO, care outside the network is generally covered only for emergencies. A PPO can still contribute toward out-of-network treatment, although you'll pay a bigger portion. If your contracts keep you away from Montana for half the year, think about where you'd actually need care. Would an urgent care in Gillette be covered? What about your regular doctors in Billings? With a private nationwide PPO, that Gillette urgent care could be considered in network.
For marketplace purposes, we're looking at your expected profit over the coverage year, not everything customers pay you. Subtract expenses like truck costs, gas, motel stays, soil-testing materials, software and insurance. Because your contracts are seasonal, estimate the entire year and adjust the figure as jobs become confirmed.
Montana expanded Medicaid, and KFF puts the income threshold for adults at 138% of the poverty level. Beginning July 1, 2026, most adults ages 19 to 64 in the expansion group must show 80 hours of qualifying activity each month. Generally, you cannot receive a marketplace premium credit for months when you qualify for Medicaid.
To receive the credit, enroll through HealthCare.gov. The amount is calculated using a benchmark silver plan, so choosing a more expensive policy doesn't increase your credit. In Yellowstone County, that means paying the PPO's additional 10% yourself. That may make sense when you're working out of state for half the year and need out-of-network benefits. If you mainly stay around Billings, I'd also consider the POS and EPO choices for better value.
Next step: Message me your expected travel schedule and net income. I'll calculate what Yellowstone County's PPO, POS and EPO options cost after your credit.
Without a subsidy, I'd compare the marketplace PPO at full price against a private nationwide policy. Private insurers review your medical history before deciding whether to approve you, approve you with a particular condition excluded, or decline coverage. If you're healthy, the private premium can often be lower than the marketplace's full price, while providing in-network access across state borders. We'll examine what each policy actually covers before you make your decision.
Next step: Give me a call. I'll compare a nationwide PPO quote with the full-price PPO choices available in Yellowstone County.
A bad drought or falling commodity prices can leave a consultant with fewer contracts. When your projected annual income reaches 138% of the poverty level or less, Montana Medicaid might be an option, including its requirement to document 80 hours each month. As contracts pick up again, report the higher income and transition back to marketplace coverage.
Next step: If you're facing a slower year, reach out before changing programs. We'll look at your full-year outlook together.
Straight answers, no sales pitch.
A little. In Yellowstone County, the least expensive silver PPO costs 10% more than the lowest-priced silver POS.
A PPO offers some benefits outside its network, while an EPO usually limits out-of-network coverage to emergencies.
Yes. Starting July 1, 2026, most expansion adults ages 19 to 64 must verify 80 hours of qualifying activity monthly.
Yes. If you're healthy, I can help you purchase a private nationwide PPO.
Give me your home location, how many weeks you're working outside Montana, and your 1099 income after expenses. I'll compare the coverage that makes sense and show you the prices.
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