Updated July 2026 · IllinoisPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Self-Employed Health Insurance for Salon and Barbershop Owners in Highland Park, Illinois

Self-employed salon and barbershop owners in Highland Park can access individual and family health insurance plans through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's official marketplace.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Lake and McHenry counties, with options for HMO, EPO, and PPO structures.
Individuals with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Illinois Medicaid, while those with higher incomes may be eligible for significant premium tax credits.
The average monthly premium for a 40-year-old in Lake County, before subsidies, can range from approximately $400 for a Bronze plan to over $700 for a Gold plan.

For self-employed salon and barbershop owners in Highland Park, Illinois, securing affordable and comprehensive health insurance is a critical business decision. As a 1099 contractor or small business owner, you typically won't have access to employer-sponsored group benefits, making the individual marketplace your primary avenue for coverage. Fortunately, GetCoveredIllinois, the state's health insurance marketplace, provides a range of options, including plans with premium tax credits to help reduce your monthly costs. Understanding your choices, from plan types like HMOs, EPOs, and PPOs to potential financial assistance, is key to protecting your health and your business.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Self-Employed in Highland Park?

Self-employed salon and barbershop professionals in Highland Park have several pathways to health coverage:

GetCoveredIllinois Marketplace Plans: This is the most common route, offering a variety of comprehensive plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) with financial assistance based on income. Plans cover essential health benefits, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care.
Illinois Medicaid: If your household income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Illinois Medicaid, a no-cost or low-cost health care program. Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, ensuring broader eligibility.
Off-Marketplace Plans: You can purchase plans directly from an insurance carrier outside of GetCoveredIllinois. These plans must still be ACA-compliant, but you won't be able to receive premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions through this route.
Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance (STLDI): These plans are generally less comprehensive and do not have to cover essential health benefits. They are not regulated by the ACA and are typically not recommended as a primary source of coverage due to their limitations and exclusions.

For most self-employed individuals, exploring options through GetCoveredIllinois is the best starting point due to the availability of subsidies that can significantly lower costs.

How Do ACA Subsidies and Tax Credits Work for Self-Employed Individuals?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits (subsidies) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to make health insurance more affordable. These are particularly beneficial for self-employed individuals whose income varies.

Premium Tax Credits: These credits reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2026, there are no income caps for eligibility; your subsidy amount is calculated to ensure that your benchmark Silver plan premium does not exceed a certain percentage of your income.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available exclusively with Silver plans purchased through GetCoveredIllinois, CSRs lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. You qualify for CSRs if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, with the most significant reductions for those between 100% and 150% FPL.

It is important to accurately estimate your annual income when applying for marketplace plans. If your income fluctuates, update GetCoveredIllinois to ensure you receive the correct amount of assistance and avoid potential tax reconciliation issues.

Understanding Plan Types and Coverage in Highland Park

When choosing a health plan through GetCoveredIllinois in Highland Park, you'll encounter different plan types, each with its own network and referral rules:

Plan Type	Description	Referral Needed	Out-of-Network Coverage
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)	Generally requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network. PCPs coordinate all your care and provide referrals to specialists.	Yes, for specialists	No (except emergencies)
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)	Similar to an HMO in that it uses a network of doctors and hospitals. You typically don't need a PCP referral to see a specialist, but you must stay within the network.	No	No (except emergencies)
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)	Offers more flexibility. You don't need a PCP, and you can see any doctor or specialist, in or out of network, without a referral. Out-of-network care costs more.	No	Yes (at a higher cost)

In Illinois, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange, meaning marketplace shoppers in Highland Park can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO structures. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, for example, offers PPO plans on GetCoveredIllinois. This is a significant advantage for those who value greater flexibility in choosing providers, including access to major health systems like Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital or Advocate Condell Medical Center in Lake County.

Health Insurance Carriers in Highland Park

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Lake and McHenry counties. Self-employed individuals in Highland Park can choose from plans offered by:

Ambetter
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Molina Healthcare
Oscar Health
United Healthcare

These carriers provide a range of plan options across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) to suit various budgets and health needs. When comparing plans, consider not just the monthly premium, but also the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your preferred doctors and local facilities like Vista Medical Center East or Midwestern Region Med Center, Inc are in-network.

Making the Right Choice for Your Salon or Barbershop Business

Choosing the right health insurance plan as a self-employed professional involves balancing costs, coverage, and network preferences.

Highland Park, with its population of 30,398 and a median income of $168,094, is part of Lake County, which has a larger population of 714,223. The county's uninsured rate is 6.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This area is served by Rating Area 3, which also includes McHenry County, and offers diverse health plan options through GetCoveredIllinois. Major hospitals in Lake County include Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, providing critical care access to residents.

Here’s a simplified decision guide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: Apply for Illinois Medicaid through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or call the DHS helpline. This program offers comprehensive, low-cost coverage. For pregnant women, Illinois Medicaid covers up to 213% FPL, one of the highest thresholds in production states, including 12 months of postpartum care.
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: Strongly consider a Silver plan on GetCoveredIllinois. You’ll likely qualify for both premium tax credits and significant cost-sharing reductions, making Silver plans a high-value choice with lower out-of-pocket expenses.
If your income is above 250% FPL: You may still qualify for premium tax credits, especially if you are older or live in an area with high benchmark plan costs. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans carefully, considering your expected medical usage. Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles, suitable for those who anticipate minimal health care needs. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, ideal for those who expect to use medical services frequently.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these options, compare plans from Ambetter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, and United Healthcare, and ensure you apply for all eligible financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if I'm self-employed in Highland Park?

Yes, self-employed individuals in Highland Park who are not eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan (or their spouse's plan) can typically deduct their health insurance premiums. This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income, reducing your adjusted gross income (AGI) and potentially your tax liability. It applies to premiums paid for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

What are the income limits for subsidies for self-employed individuals in Highland Park?

For 2026, there are no income caps for eligibility for premium tax credits (subsidies) through GetCoveredIllinois. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL) and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area. If your income is between 100% and 150% FPL, you may qualify for significant cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, in addition to premium tax credits.

Are PPO plans available on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace in Highland Park?

Yes, PPO plans are available on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace for residents of Highland Park and Lake County. Unlike some states, Illinois allows marketplace shoppers to choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO structures. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of the carriers that offers PPO plans on-exchange in Rating Area 3.

What happens if my self-employment income fluctuates throughout the year?

If your self-employment income fluctuates, it's crucial to update your estimated annual income with GetCoveredIllinois promptly. This helps ensure you receive the correct amount of premium tax credits throughout the year. Underestimating your income could lead to owing money back at tax time, while overestimating could mean you miss out on credits you're entitled to. An IllinoisPlanFinder.com agent can help you adjust your application.