Solar projects slow down, staffing assignments finish, and smaller installation companies don't always provide insurance benefits. Let me show you how installers are finding coverage for themselves and their families without spending more than necessary.
Hi, I'm Sam Jaber. I work as a licensed health insurance broker out of Tampa, hold licenses across 36 states, and can take care of your entire insurance process with you by phone.
Working in solar installation often means changing employers as projects come and go. According to federal employment figures, electrical contractors account for the largest portion of installer jobs, while temporary staffing agencies employ a substantial number as well. Other installers work for small crew owners who haven't established group insurance. As a result, many people in this trade either purchase coverage themselves or face losing it whenever their assignment finishes.
Let's look at how solar installers with different work arrangements are finding coverage they can count on.
My first question is straightforward: will your household's expected income this year fall below the marketplace limit for premium assistance?
That eligibility limit equals four times the federal poverty level. For a household of one, it's a little above $60,000 annually, and the limit increases with additional household members. When you're self-employed or receiving 1099 income, the marketplace considers your net earnings after deducting business expenses such as equipment, truck costs, fuel, insurance and other operating expenses.
Quite a few solar installers earn below that limit, so the first situation below applies to many workers in the trade. Crew supervisors and business owners, however, may find themselves above or below it.
When your income falls in this range, marketplace insurance is generally the least expensive route, because that's where premium assistance is available. That financial help can make the cost of a good health plan manageable for many installers.
Your enrollment is based on projected annual income, but earnings from solar installations can shift quickly. A longer assignment or an increase in pay could raise your total, so make sure you report those changes to the marketplace. If you don't, the tax reconciliation could require you to return some or even all of the additional premium assistance you received.
We'll use your previous tax return along with your expected earnings to work out a reasonable estimate, and then choose a time to review it again.
Next step: Share your previous year's tax return and explain how you're currently working. I'll help estimate your income and select coverage that makes sense for it.
When insurance provided by your employer or staffing agency ends along with your job, that loss of coverage qualifies you for a special enrollment opportunity. You normally get 60 days after your insurance ends to join a marketplace plan, regardless of the time of year. While you're searching for another installation assignment, don't overlook that deadline.
If COBRA is one of your choices, understand the distinction: letting COBRA reach its expiration creates an enrollment opportunity, but deciding to cancel it early yourself does not.
Buying your own health insurance means it isn't tied to whichever project hires you next. Your coverage can continue through periods without work, rather than forcing you to find a replacement after every assignment.
Next step: Get in touch as soon as you learn your insurance will end. I'll work with you to select replacement coverage while your enrollment window remains open.
When your installation business earns enough to put your household above the income limit, marketplace premium assistance disappears. You're then responsible for the entire premium, which can feel especially expensive for a healthy family that rarely expects to need medical care.
Private plans with medical underwriting offer another route in that situation. You'll answer questions about your health when applying, and healthy applicants may qualify for premiums considerably lower than unsubsidized marketplace rates. Because these policies use PPO networks throughout the country, you have broader access to physicians and can receive covered care while traveling away from home.
There are important differences to understand before applying. Medical underwriting means the insurer may reject your application or leave a previously treated condition out of your coverage. Benefits also differ between policies, so we'll review the specifics together before you make a choice. Separately, employing at least one worker who isn't an owner or relative may make your company eligible for the marketplace's small-business coverage option.
And because your job puts you on rooftops regularly, I want to clarify something important. Workers' compensation is intended for injuries related to your work. It doesn't replace medical insurance for sickness, preventive appointments or healthcare your family needs.
Next step: Give me a call and I'll show you how the marketplace rate for your household compares with a nationwide PPO quote.
Depending on where you live, the marketplace might not offer any PPO coverage, or its PPO premiums might be beyond your budget. That doesn't rule out having a PPO. Across all 36 states where I hold licenses, I can help solar installers access plans with nationwide PPO networks. If you're healthy, let's have a quick phone conversation and find out what the premium looks like.
Having the following information ready will help me give you answers more quickly:
You don't owe me a fee for helping you. The insurer pays my commission after your policy goes into effect, and the premium you pay each month stays the same as it would if you signed up without my assistance.
Straight answers, no sales pitch.
When an installation job ends and you lose the insurance that came with it, you ordinarily get 60 days to join a marketplace plan. That enrollment period begins when your coverage terminates, so make sure you act in time.
Yes. If you operate without employees, you'll shop on the individual marketplace just as other self-employed workers do. Hiring at least one employee who isn't an owner or family member could make small-business coverage available.
That depends on your employment arrangement. Bigger installation contractors and utility companies sometimes provide health benefits. People working through agencies, receiving 1099 payments or owning smaller solar companies frequently need to arrange coverage themselves.
No. An injury sustained while working falls under workers' compensation. Medical insurance, on the other hand, addresses sickness, everyday healthcare and the medical needs of your family.
Let's start with your work situation. Are you assigned through an agency, paid on a 1099, or operating your own installation crew? I'll also need your estimated yearly earnings and the people you're covering. From there, I'll explain the available routes and their prices. And if your current insurance already does the job, I'll say so.
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