Can I get health insurance if I'm a contractor in North Salt Lake?

Yes, as a contractor or self-employed individual in North Salt Lake, you can purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace at HealthCare.gov. You may qualify for significant subsidies based on your income to lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Utah also has expanded Medicaid, providing coverage for adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What types of health plans are available to contractors in Utah?

In Utah, contractors can choose between Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on HealthCare.gov. PPO plans are not available through the marketplace in Utah. HMOs typically require you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialists, while EPOs offer more flexibility but generally do not cover out-of-network care.

What is the income limit for Utah Medicaid for contractors?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, making adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligible. For a single individual in 2024, this is approximately $20,782 annually. Pregnant women may qualify with incomes up to 144% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL through CHIP. You can apply through medicaid.utah.gov.

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

Health Insurance for Contractors in North Salt Lake, Utah

Contractors in North Salt Lake can find subsidized health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov, with 4 carriers offering coverage in Rating Area 3.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Marketplace plans in Utah are limited to HMO and EPO network types; PPO plans are not available on-exchange for 2026.
North Salt Lake's uninsured rate is 8.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

As a contractor or self-employed individual in North Salt Lake, Utah, securing affordable health insurance is crucial, yet it often presents unique challenges compared to traditional employment. The good news is that you have several robust options available, primarily through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Utah's health insurance landscape, especially for its 23,474 residents in North Salt Lake, includes access to federal subsidies that can significantly reduce your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Furthermore, Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020, offering a vital safety net for those with lower incomes, covering adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Understanding these pathways is key to finding the right coverage that fits your needs and budget.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for North Salt Lake Contractors?

For contractors and self-employed individuals in North Salt Lake, the primary avenue for comprehensive and affordable health coverage is the ACA marketplace, accessible via HealthCare.gov. This federal marketplace allows you to compare plans, apply for subsidies, and enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period or if you experience a Qualifying Life Event. Beyond the marketplace, depending on your income, you may also qualify for Utah Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for your dependents.

North Salt Lake, located in Davis County, is part of Utah Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Wasatch counties. This rating area reported a population of 23,474 with a median income of $101,447, and an uninsured rate of 8.9% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Davis County itself has a population of 370,924 with a 5.7% uninsured rate. Local hospitals serving Davis County residents include Holy Cross Hospital-davis in Layton and Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, along with Intermountain Health Layton Hospital and Western Peaks Specialty Hospital.

ACA Marketplace Plans and Subsidies

The ACA marketplace offers a range of plans categorized by "metal tiers": Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate the percentage of healthcare costs the plan is expected to cover versus your out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance).

Bronze plans: Cover approximately 60% of costs; lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Best for those who expect minimal healthcare use.
Silver plans: Cover approximately 70% of costs; moderate premiums and deductibles. Crucially, Silver plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if your income is below 250% FPL, which significantly lowers your out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles.
Gold plans: Cover approximately 80% of costs; higher premiums, lower deductibles. Suitable for those who anticipate more frequent medical care.
Platinum plans: Cover approximately 90% of costs; highest premiums, lowest deductibles. Offers the most comprehensive coverage before meeting your deductible.

As a contractor, your income may fluctuate, making subsidies particularly beneficial. Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) can be applied directly to your monthly premiums, making coverage more affordable. Eligibility for these subsidies is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Plan Types Available in North Salt Lake, Utah

In Utah, marketplace shoppers in North Salt Lake will choose between Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. It's important to note that PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are not available on-exchange in Utah for the 2026 plan year.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): These plans typically require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) within their network. Your PCP coordinates all your care and provides referrals to specialists. HMOs generally have lower premiums but offer less flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): EPO plans offer a network of doctors and hospitals you can use, similar to an HMO. However, you usually don't need a referral to see a specialist. Like HMOs, EPOs generally do not cover out-of-network care, except in emergencies.

Utah Medicaid and CHIP for Contractors

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020 through a ballot initiative, providing essential health coverage for many low-income residents, including contractors. If your income falls below certain thresholds, you may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance.

Utah Medicaid for Adults: Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for Utah Medicaid. This is a significant difference from states that have not expanded Medicaid, as it ensures a path to coverage for individuals and families who might otherwise fall into a "coverage gap."
Medicaid for Pregnant Women: Pregnant women in Utah can qualify for Medicaid with incomes up to 144% FPL, offering comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Uninsured children in Utah, including those in contractor households, can receive coverage through CHIP if their household income is up to 200% FPL.

You can apply for Utah Medicaid or CHIP directly through medicaid.utah.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in North Salt Lake

For 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes North Salt Lake. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO plans to choose from. It is crucial to review their specific plan offerings and network directories to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as Holy Cross Hospital-davis or Lakeview Hospital, are included.

The confirmed carriers for North Salt Lake's Rating Area 3 are:

BridgeSpan Health Company
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Select Health
University of Utah Health Plans

When selecting a plan, consider not only the premium but also the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the maximum out-of-pocket limit. Reviewing the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for each plan is highly recommended.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Contractors

Choosing the best health insurance as a contractor in North Salt Lake depends heavily on your estimated annual income, anticipated healthcare needs, and preference for network flexibility. Here's a guide to help you decide:

Your Income Level (as % FPL)	Recommended Action / Plan Type	Key Benefit
Below 138% FPL	Apply for Utah Medicaid	Free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage.
138% - 250% FPL	Explore Silver plans on HealthCare.gov	Eligible for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), lowering both premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
250% - 400% FPL	Explore Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans on HealthCare.gov	Eligible for Premium Tax Credits to lower monthly premiums. Silver plans may still be a good value even without CSRs.
Above 400% FPL	Explore Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans on HealthCare.gov	Not eligible for federal subsidies, but can still find comprehensive coverage. Consider higher-deductible plans for lower premiums.

The most efficient way to navigate these options and ensure you're maximizing any available financial assistance is to work with a licensed health insurance producer. They can help you understand your eligibility for subsidies, compare plans from BridgeSpan Health Company, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Select Health, and University of Utah Health Plans, and guide you through the enrollment process at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, generally, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can deduct the premiums you pay for health insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This is known as the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction. Consult with a tax professional for specific guidance regarding your situation.

What if my income fluctuates as a contractor?

If your income fluctuates, it's crucial to report changes to HealthCare.gov as they happen. Subsidies are based on your estimated annual income, and significant changes can affect your eligibility for Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions. Adjusting your income estimate promptly can help prevent owing money back at tax time or missing out on additional assistance.

Are short-term health plans a good option for contractors in Utah?

Short-term health plans are generally not recommended as a primary coverage option for contractors. While they often have lower premiums, they are not regulated by the ACA, meaning they don't have to cover essential health benefits, can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and have annual and lifetime limits. They are best suited for temporary gaps in coverage. For comprehensive coverage, ACA-compliant plans are a safer choice.