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Health Insurance for Realtors in North Carolina: What Works in 2026
Realtors are the single biggest group we help in North Carolina, for one reason: you're 1099, your income swings, and most of you are above the subsidy line in a good year.
The realtor problem
Commission income is lumpy. A great year pushes you over the 400% subsidy cliff; a slow year drops you under it. Most agents in Charlotte and Raleigh pick a plan in November based on the wrong year's income and overpay or get a surprise at tax time.
Option 1: HealthCare.gov, if your MAGI qualifies
After expenses, SEP-IRA contributions and the self-employed health deduction, more agents qualify than expect. Estimate carefully and update HealthCare.gov if income changes.
Option 2: private PPO, if you're over the line
Priced on health, not commissions. A healthy 45-year-old agent typically pays $360–$520 a month for a PPO on the Cigna, Aetna and PHCS PPO network, versus $700+ full-price on the marketplace. Enroll any month — useful when a closing changes your year.
Brokerage group plans
Some North Carolina brokerages offer association or group plans. They're worth comparing but are often priced for the whole office; a healthy agent frequently does better individually.
The write-off
North Carolina has a flat state income tax, so the self-employed premium deduction helps at both the federal and state level. Premiums are deductible above the line for self-employed agents.
Check your options — we'll run both markets against your actual numbers.