· If you are self-employed with no other workers, you may be eligible to buy small group health plan coverage as a self-employed business group of one. To qualify, you must work in your business at least 24 hours per week on a regular basis. In addition, your business must have generated taxable income or you must have derived a substantial part of your income from the business. Substantial income is defined as an amount sufficient to pay your health insurance premium.

· If you qualify as a self- employed business group of one, small group health insurers must offer you the choice of a standard or basic health plan on a guaranteed issue basis during open enrollment periods. You cannot be turned down because of your health status. You may be able to buy other, non-standardized policies insurers sell to other small employers, as well; however, insurers can turn you down for these non-standardized policies because of your health status.

· You are only eligible to buy coverage as a self-employed business group of one during annual open enrollment periods. Your annual open enrollment period is the 31-day period following your birthday. Self-employed business groups of one are also entitled to coverage within 31 days of the following events: exhaustion of COBRA or state continuation coverage; the date you first meet the definition of a business group of one; or involuntary termination of other health insurance coverage. At all other times, your access to health insurance is protected by the laws that apply to individuals. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you are self-employed and buy your own health insurance, you are eligible to deduct 100% of the cost of your premium from your federal income tax.