Health Insurance Options for a One-Employee Business in the Tri-Cities

Running a business with just one employee gives you independence and flexibility, but health insurance is often one of the biggest question marks. Many solo business owners in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol are unsure what options actually apply to them and where to start.

This guide explains the most common and consistently available health insurance paths for a one-employee business, using information that remains relevant throughout 2026.

First, understand how health insurance works for owner-only businesses

One of the most common misunderstandings is that owning a business automatically means you qualify for a traditional employer health insurance plan. In practice, health insurance options for a one-employee business usually look very similar to individual coverage.

According to HealthCare.gov, business owners who do not have employees other than themselves (or their spouse) are generally directed toward individual health insurance options, rather than employer-sponsored plans.

Plain-English takeaway:
If you are the only person working in your business, your health insurance choices typically fall under individual coverage, not traditional employer plans.

The most common option: Individual health insurance coverage

For most one-employee businesses, the most practical and widely available solution is individual health insurance purchased through the Individual Marketplace.

HealthCare.gov specifically identifies individual coverage as the primary option for self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses.

Why individual coverage works well for solo business owners

• It is available nationwide.
• Eligibility rules are stable year to year.
• Coverage stays with you if your business structure changes.
• It does not depend on hiring additional employees.

Tri-Cities example:
A consultant in Johnson City, a tradesperson in Kingsport, or a small service business owner in Bristol will typically find individual coverage to be the most accessible option when operating solo.

Reimbursement-based benefits: a flexible alternative to traditional plans

Some small employers explore reimbursement-based benefits instead of offering a traditional health plan. These arrangements allow a business to set a fixed monthly amount that can be used toward health-related expenses, rather than choosing a single insurance policy.

HealthCare.gov outlines reimbursement-based options designed for small employers that do not offer group health insurance.

At a high level:

• These options are intended for small employers.
• They are commonly paired with individual health insurance.
• They offer predictable benefit costs for the business.

Because structures and suitability vary, reimbursement-based benefits are usually discussed as part of a broader planning conversation rather than a default starting point.

Choosing the right path as a one-employee business

For most one-employee businesses in the Tri-Cities, the decision framework is straightforward:

Individual health insurance may be the right fit if:

• You are the only employee in your business.
• You want a simple and widely available option.
• You want coverage that does not depend on business growth.

Reimbursement-based options may be worth exploring if:

• You want flexibility rather than managing a plan.
• You prefer predictable monthly costs.
• You plan to adjust benefits as your business evolves.

Common misconceptions we see locally

• “Because I own a business, I must have access to special employer plans.”
  In reality, most owner-only businesses rely on individual coverage.
• “Individual coverage is only temporary.”
  Many solo business owners use individual health insurance long-term.

How Veritas Risk Management supports Tri-Cities business owners

Veritas Risk Management works with small business owners across Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol to help them understand which health insurance options actually apply based on how their business is structured today.

Our focus is clarity, not complexity:

• Explaining realistic options
• Avoiding unnecessary setups
• Planning for growth when the time comes

Quick FAQ

If I own a business and have no employees, where should I start?
HealthCare.gov directs most self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses to individual health insurance options.

Is individual coverage a “step down” from employer coverage?
No. For many one-employee businesses, individual coverage is the most appropriate and commonly used solution.