Can I get health insurance if I'm a self-employed childcare provider in Wasatch County?

Yes, self-employed childcare providers in Wasatch County can access health insurance through HealthCare.gov. Depending on your income, you may qualify for significant subsidies to lower your monthly premiums, or for Utah Medicaid.

What types of health plans are available in Wasatch County for contractors?

In Wasatch County, marketplace plans primarily consist of HMO and EPO network types. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah, so your primary choices will involve these two managed care models from carriers like Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans.

How does income affect my health insurance options in Utah?

For a single individual in Utah, if your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Utah Medicaid. Between 100% and 400% FPL, you are likely eligible for premium tax credits on HealthCare.gov, which can significantly reduce your monthly insurance costs.

Do I need to pay for health insurance if I'm a low-income childcare provider?

If your income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for comprehensive, no-cost coverage through Utah Medicaid. For those with incomes above this threshold but still modest, premium tax credits can reduce marketplace plan premiums to very affordable levels, sometimes even $0 per month.

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

Health Insurance for Childcare Providers (Contractors) in Wasatch County, Utah

Self-employed childcare providers in Wasatch County can enroll in health plans through HealthCare.gov, with potential subsidies.
Utah Medicaid is available for individuals with income up to 138% FPL, including many childcare contractors.
Wasatch County is part of Utah Rating Area 3, where 2 carriers — Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans — offer marketplace HMO and EPO plans.
PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah; marketplace choices are limited to HMO and EPO network types.

As a self-employed childcare provider in Wasatch County, securing affordable health insurance is crucial for protecting your health and financial well-being. Unlike traditional employees, contractors are responsible for finding their own coverage, but Utah's expanded Medicaid program and the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace offer robust options. Depending on your income and household size, you may qualify for significant financial assistance to make your premiums affordable, or even for no-cost coverage through Utah Medicaid. Understanding these pathways is key to finding the right plan for your unique needs as a small business owner in the childcare industry.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

How Do Self-Employed Childcare Providers Get Health Insurance in Wasatch County?

Most self-employed childcare providers in Wasatch County obtain health insurance through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. This platform allows you to compare plans, check eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll in coverage. Because Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, individuals and families with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health coverage through Utah Medicaid. For those with higher incomes, premium tax credits (subsidies) are available to reduce the monthly cost of marketplace plans. When applying, you'll need to estimate your annual income, which can fluctuate as a contractor. Accurate income projections are vital, as they determine your eligibility for subsidies and Medicaid. Wasatch County residents, like those in neighboring Salt Lake and Summit counties, navigate the same state-specific rules regarding plan types and financial aid.

What Types of Health Plans Are Available in Wasatch County?

In Wasatch County, self-employed individuals shopping on HealthCare.gov will find primarily Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. This is an important distinction for Utah residents, as PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are not available on-exchange in the state. Therefore, your marketplace choices will focus on the HMO and EPO models, which typically require you to select a primary care provider (PCP) and obtain referrals for specialists in the case of HMOs, or stay within a defined network for covered services with EPOs. The marketplace plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers reflect the actuarial value of the plan, meaning the average percentage of medical costs the plan is expected to cover:

Bronze: Covers approximately 60% of costs; lowest premiums, highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Silver: Covers approximately 70% of costs; moderate premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Crucially, Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) are tied to Silver plans for eligible low-income individuals.
Gold: Covers approximately 80% of costs; higher premiums, lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

As a self-employed individual, balancing monthly premium costs with potential out-of-pocket expenses is key. Many childcare providers opt for Silver plans if they qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, as these plans offer additional savings on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance beyond the standard premium tax credits.

Understanding Subsidies and Utah Medicaid for Contractors

Financial assistance is a cornerstone of affordable health insurance for self-employed individuals in Utah. There are two primary forms:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)

These credits reduce your monthly premium for marketplace plans. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for these subsidies. For instance, a single childcare provider in Wasatch County earning $50,000 annually (which is approximately 150% FPL for a single person) would likely receive substantial premium tax credits. The median income in Wasatch County is $117,608 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating that many residents, even those self-employed, may find plans affordable with subsidies.

Utah Medicaid

Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020, significantly broadening eligibility. Adults, including self-employed contractors, with household incomes up to 138% FPL can qualify for Utah Medicaid. This program provides comprehensive health coverage with little to no out-of-pocket costs. For a single individual, this means an income threshold typically around $20,000 per year. For pregnant women, the threshold extends to 144% FPL, and for children via CHIP, it's up to 200% FPL. If your income as a childcare provider falls within these ranges, Utah Medicaid is often the most cost-effective and comprehensive option. You can apply through Utah's Medicaid portal at medicaid.utah.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Wasatch County

In 2026, 2 carriers offer marketplace plans in Utah Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Wasatch counties. These carriers provide the HMO and EPO plan options available to self-employed childcare providers:

Select Health: A prominent Utah-based health plan, Select Health offers a range of HMO and EPO plans known for their network of local providers and hospitals.
University of Utah Health Plans: Affiliated with the University of Utah Health system, this carrier provides plans that integrate with the university's extensive network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

When choosing a plan, consider which carrier's network best aligns with your preferred doctors, specialists, and any healthcare facilities you might need. Wasatch County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, meaning residents often travel to a neighboring county for acute care. Therefore, network coverage in adjacent counties like Salt Lake or Summit is an important consideration.

Steps to Enroll in Health Insurance for Your Childcare Business

Navigating the health insurance landscape as a self-employed childcare provider can seem daunting, but following these steps can simplify the process:

Estimate Your Income: Project your net income for the upcoming year. This is crucial for determining your eligibility for premium tax credits or Utah Medicaid.
Visit HealthCare.gov: Use the official federal marketplace to explore plans available in Wasatch County. You will enter your ZIP code, household size, and estimated income.
Compare Plan Tiers and Networks: Review Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans, paying close attention to deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Since Wasatch County has no local hospitals, ensure the plan's network includes facilities in nearby Rating Area 3 counties that you can access.
Check for Financial Assistance: The marketplace will automatically assess your eligibility for premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions based on your income. If your income is below 138% FPL, you will be directed to apply for Utah Medicaid.
Consider a Licensed Agent: A licensed health insurance producer can help you understand the nuances of HMO and EPO plans, compare carrier networks, and ensure you receive all eligible subsidies. This service is typically free to you.
Enroll and Pay Your First Premium: Once you've selected a plan, complete the enrollment process and make your first premium payment to activate your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums as a self-employed childcare provider?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your gross income. This is known as the self-employed health insurance deduction, and it can significantly reduce your taxable income.

What if my income changes during the year as a contractor?

It is critical to report any significant changes in your income or household size to HealthCare.gov as soon as possible. Changes can affect your eligibility for premium tax credits or Utah Medicaid, and updating your information helps prevent discrepancies that could lead to owing money back at tax time or missing out on additional assistance.

Are PPO plans available for self-employed individuals in Wasatch County?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah, including Wasatch County. The primary marketplace options for self-employed childcare providers will be HMO and EPO plans offered by confirmed carriers like Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans. PPOs may be available off-exchange, but without subsidies.

What is the uninsured rate in Wasatch County?

According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, Wasatch County has an uninsured rate of 7.5%. This is lower than the state average for Utah, reflecting a relatively well-insured population, likely due to a combination of employer-sponsored plans and robust marketplace/Medicaid options.