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Health Insurance for Realtors in New York: What Works in 2026
Realtors are the single biggest group we help in New York, 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 New York City and Long Island pick a plan in November based on the wrong year's income and overpay or get a surprise at tax time.
Option 1: NY State of Health, if your MAGI qualifies
After expenses, SEP-IRA contributions and the self-employed health deduction, more agents qualify than expect. Estimate carefully and update NY State of Health 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 MagnaCare PPO network, versus $700+ full-price on the marketplace. Enroll any month — useful when a closing changes your year.
Brokerage group plans
Some New York 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
New York (and New York City) income taxes are among the highest in the country, so the self-employed premium deduction is worth real money here. Premiums are deductible above the line for self-employed agents.
Check your options — we'll run both markets against your actual numbers.