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

Health Insurance for Salon & Barbershop Contractors in Highland, Utah

Highland, Utah's 20,119 residents, including many self-employed salon and barbershop contractors, have multiple health insurance options.
Marketplace plans (ACA) via HealthCare.gov offer subsidies for incomes up to 400% FPL, reducing monthly premiums.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, making adults with incomes up to 138% FPL eligible for comprehensive, low-cost coverage.
In 2026, 5 confirmed carriers offer marketplace plans in Utah County's Rating Area 4, exclusively featuring HMO and EPO network types.

For salon and barbershop contractors in Highland, Utah, finding comprehensive and affordable health insurance is crucial. As a self-employed professional, you have distinct options beyond traditional employer-sponsored coverage. The primary avenues include plans available through HealthCare.gov, which can offer significant financial assistance, or qualifying for Utah Medicaid, which expanded in 2020. Understanding these pathways is the first step toward securing the right coverage for yourself and your family in Highland.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a Self-Employed Contractor?

Self-employed salon and barbershop contractors in Highland have several key pathways to health coverage. These generally fall into three categories:

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Plans: Available through HealthCare.gov, these plans are a popular choice for individuals and families who do not receive health insurance from an employer. They are categorized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and offer subsidies, known as Premium Tax Credits, to reduce monthly premiums for eligible individuals. Cost-Sharing Reductions are also available for those enrolling in Silver plans with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Utah Medicaid: Since its expansion in 2020, Utah Medicaid now covers adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program provides comprehensive health benefits at little to no cost, making it a vital option for lower-income contractors.
Private Off-Marketplace Plans: You can purchase health insurance directly from carriers outside of HealthCare.gov. While these plans do not qualify for Premium Tax Credits or Cost-Sharing Reductions, they may offer a wider variety of plans or networks, including PPO options not available on the Utah marketplace.

Highland, with a median household income of $186,075 and a low uninsured rate of 4.4% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, still has residents who benefit from these diverse coverage options, especially those in contracting roles where benefits are not provided.

How Do ACA Marketplace Plans Work for Contractors in Utah?

The HealthCare.gov marketplace is designed to make health insurance accessible and affordable for self-employed individuals like salon and barbershop contractors. When you apply, your income and household size are used to determine your eligibility for subsidies.

Understanding Plan Tiers and Subsidies

Marketplace plans are divided into metal tiers, each offering a different balance of monthly premium versus out-of-pocket costs:

Metal Tier	Monthly Premium (with subsidies)	Out-of-Pocket Costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance)	Best For
Bronze	Lowest	Highest	Healthy individuals who want protection against catastrophic costs.
Silver	Moderate	Moderate (with potential Cost-Sharing Reductions)	Individuals and families who expect to use medical services and qualify for CSRs.
Gold	Highest	Lowest	Individuals who anticipate frequent medical care and prefer lower costs at the point of service.

In Utah, the marketplace offers HMO and EPO plans. PPO plans are not available on-exchange. For Highland residents, securing a plan through HealthCare.gov means choosing a network structure that best fits their needs, whether it's an HMO requiring a primary care physician referral or an EPO offering more direct access to specialists within its network.

Qualifying for Utah Medicaid as a Self-Employed Individual

Utah Medicaid is a crucial safety net for contractors with lower incomes. Since Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify. For a single individual in 2026, this typically means an annual income below approximately $20,780. For a family of three, the threshold would be around $35,220. If your income falls within these guidelines, Utah Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more, usually with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs. Pregnant women in Utah may qualify for Medicaid with incomes up to 144% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL can be covered by Utah CHIP. You can apply for Utah Medicaid through medicaid.utah.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Highland

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Utah County's Rating Area 4, which includes Highland. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO options to suit various needs and budgets for salon and barbershop contractors. The confirmed local carriers are:

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

When choosing a plan, consider not only the premium and out-of-pocket costs but also the network of doctors and hospitals. Utah County, with a population of 705,400, is served by major hospital systems like Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, which is part of the broader Intermountain Health system, and other facilities such as Mountain View Hospital in Payson and American Fork Hospital in American Fork. Ensure your preferred providers are in-network with the plan you select.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision in Highland

Choosing the best health insurance as a self-employed salon or barbershop contractor in Highland depends on your income, health needs, and budget. Here’s a decision-making framework:

If your income is below 138% FPL: Apply for Utah Medicaid. This will likely be your most comprehensive and affordable option.
If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL: Explore ACA marketplace plans on HealthCare.gov. You will likely qualify for significant Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premiums. If your income is below 250% FPL, consider a Silver plan to also benefit from Cost-Sharing Reductions.
If your income is above 400% FPL: You can still purchase an ACA plan through HealthCare.gov, but you won't qualify for subsidies. You may also consider private off-marketplace plans if you're seeking specific network options, such as PPOs, which are not available on the Utah marketplace.

Regardless of your income, a licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these options, compare plans, and enroll in coverage that meets your specific needs and budget. They can clarify network specifics for local providers like Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital and help ensure you choose a plan that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health insurance options are available for salon and barbershop contractors in Highland, UT?

Salon and barbershop contractors in Highland, Utah, can access health insurance through HealthCare.gov, Utah Medicaid if income-eligible, or private off-marketplace plans. Marketplace plans offer subsidies based on income, making coverage more affordable.

Can I get a PPO plan on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. Marketplace shoppers in Highland will choose between HMO and EPO network structures. PPO plans may be available directly from carriers outside the marketplace, but these do not qualify for subsidies.

How does Utah Medicaid work for self-employed individuals?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. Self-employed individuals and contractors in Highland with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Utah Medicaid, providing comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. Applications are processed through medicaid.utah.gov.

What is the uninsured rate in Highland, Utah?

According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, the uninsured rate in Highland, Utah, is 4.4%. This is lower than the Utah County rate of 7.5% and the state average, indicating strong access to coverage in the area.