Summer in Dallas-Fort Worth brings more than just heat — it brings new chances to earn. Many people take on side jobs like driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering food, mowing lawns, or working part-time in stores. These extra jobs help pay bills or save for the future. But they can also change something important: your health insurance.
If you’re working extra this summer, this guide explains how your side jobs might affect your health plan, what steps you should take, and how EIMA Health — your trusted Marketplace health insurance agent Dallas TX — can support you.
- Key Takeaways
- Why Health Insurance Matters When You Work Gigs
- How Extra Summer Work Can Change Your Health Plan
- Why You Should Report Income Changes Quickly
- How to Estimate Your Income with Side Jobs
- Your Health Insurance Options
- Real-Life Examples of Income Changes
- How Working With a Local Agent Helps
- Simple Steps to Stay Covered
- Stay Protected This Summer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I have to tell the Marketplace if I start a side job or earn extra money?
- What happens if I don’t report my extra income?
- Can I change my health plan in the middle of the year?
- What counts as income for Marketplace insurance?
- Will extra summer income affect my Medicaid eligibility?
- How much does it cost to get help from EIMA Health?
- Are short-term health plans a good option for gig workers?
- Can EIMA Health help me with dental and vision insurance too?
Key Takeaways
- Extra summer income from side jobs can affect your health insurance.
When you earn more than expected, your subsidy for Marketplace coverage could go down. This might lead to owing money at tax time if you don’t report the change. - Always report income changes within 30 days.
Letting the Marketplace know helps keep your plan and costs correct. Save records like pay stubs, 1099 forms, and app earnings reports. - Marketplace plans offer full health coverage — often at low monthly costs.
Many gig workers qualify for plans that cost under $10/month with subsidies. These plans cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and preventive care. - Medicaid eligibility can change with seasonal work.
If summer earnings push your income higher, you might no longer qualify for Medicaid and may need to switch to a Marketplace plan. - Short-term plans often don’t provide enough protection.
They may not cover pre-existing conditions or key benefits. Marketplace plans are usually a safer choice. - Working with a local agent like EIMA Health makes things easier.
You get free, personal support from a team that helps with plan choices, updates, and questions year-round. - Track income and plan ahead.
Keeping good records and updating your income estimate helps you avoid surprises and stay protected. - EIMA Health is here to help — at no cost to you.
We serve Dallas, Addison, Richardson, Carrollton, and nearby communities, offering hands-on guidance with no pressure.
Why Health Insurance Matters When You Work Gigs
If you don’t get insurance through an employer, finding and keeping the right health plan is up to you. That can feel confusing when your work hours or income change from month to month.
Health insurance helps pay for doctor visits, medicine, hospital stays, and more. Without it, a single emergency could cost thousands of dollars — and if you’re too sick or hurt to work, you could lose income, too.
That’s why EIMA Health is here. We help gig workers — from drivers to delivery workers, babysitters, and part-timers — find health plans that fit their needs and budgets.
How Extra Summer Work Can Change Your Health Plan
When you get insurance through the Marketplace (sometimes called Obamacare or ACA), you might qualify for help that lowers your monthly cost. This help, called a subsidy, is based on how much money you expect to earn for the whole year.
If you take on summer work and earn more than you expected, your subsidy might change. If you don’t report the extra income, you could have to repay some of that help at tax time.
Example
Jasmine drives for Uber in Dallas and planned to earn $28,000 this year. But when she adds tutoring during the summer, she earns another $7,000. Now her total income is $35,000. That means she should have received a smaller subsidy — and if she doesn’t report this change, she could owe money when she files taxes.
Why You Should Report Income Changes Quickly
If your income goes up because of extra work, it’s important to tell the Marketplace right away.
✅ Report changes within 30 days.
✅ Save proof of your earnings, like pay stubs, 1099 forms, or app reports.
✅ Don’t wait for Open Enrollment. You can update your income anytime.
At EIMA Health, we can help you report changes so you stay on track and avoid surprises.
How to Estimate Your Income with Side Jobs
When your income changes from month to month, estimating can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with what you’ve made so far this year.
- Add what you expect to earn from summer jobs.
- Count all your taxable income — gig work, part-time jobs, unemployment pay, and tips.
- Update your estimate if things change.
Example
Carlos works part-time at a store in Addison and earns about $1,800 a month. In the summer, he also mows lawns and brings in another $500 a month. He should add this to his estimate when reporting his income.
Your Health Insurance Options
Marketplace Plans
Marketplace plans are a good fit for many gig workers because they cover:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Medicines
- Preventive care (like check-ups)
These plans protect you from large medical bills. Many EIMA Health clients pay under $10 a month with subsidies.
Medicaid
If your income is low, you might qualify for Medicaid. But extra summer income could mean you no longer qualify, so it’s important to check as things change.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term plans may seem cheaper, but they often don’t cover much. They might:
- Skip key services like prescriptions or maternity care
- Not cover pre-existing conditions
That’s why EIMA Health usually recommends Marketplace plans instead.
Dental and Vision
Dental and vision insurance helps cover eye exams, glasses, and dental care. These plans can be added for a small cost, and we can help you explore your options.
Real-Life Examples of Income Changes
👉 Sam’s Story
Sam drives for Lyft and picks up Instacart deliveries during summer. His income rises from $24,000 to $32,000. He reports this so he doesn’t owe money at tax time.
👉 Tina’s Story
Tina works part-time at a salon in Richardson and starts babysitting in the summer. She earns more and calls EIMA Health for help updating her plan.
👉 Jose’s Story
Jose works at a warehouse in Addison earning $22,000. He adds weekend lawn care and his income grows to $30,000. He switches from Medicaid to a Marketplace plan with EIMA Health’s help, so he doesn’t lose coverage.
How Working With a Local Agent Helps
With EIMA Health, you get:
- A real person who listens and helps you choose a plan
- Support all year — not just during sign-up
- Friendly service from a team that understands the community
- Free help — you never pay for our guidance
We serve people across Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Richardson, and nearby areas.
Simple Steps to Stay Covered
✅ Track what you earn each month.
✅ Set aside some money for taxes in case your subsidy changes.
✅ Report income updates as soon as possible.
✅ Ask for help if you’re unsure. That’s what we’re here for.
Stay Protected This Summer
Your side jobs help you meet your goals — but don’t let health insurance cause stress. When your income changes, your plan might need to change too. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
👉 Call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386 or visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/ to get free help today.
👉 We’re your local health insurance partner — here before, during, and after enrollment.
⚠ Disclaimer: EIMA Health offers free help with Marketplace plans. Subsidy amounts depend on your income and household size. We are not part of or endorsed by any government agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to tell the Marketplace if I start a side job or earn extra money?
Yes. If your income changes, you should report it to the Marketplace within 30 days. This helps keep your subsidy correct so you don’t end up owing money when you file taxes.
What happens if I don’t report my extra income?
If you don’t report your higher income, you might receive too much subsidy. When you file taxes, you could have to pay back part of that help. Reporting changes early helps avoid surprise bills.
Can I change my health plan in the middle of the year?
Usually, you can’t switch plans mid-year unless you have a qualifying life event (like losing other coverage or having a baby). But you can update your income at any time so your costs stay accurate.
What counts as income for Marketplace insurance?
Income includes:
- Wages from part-time jobs
- Gig work (rideshare, delivery, freelance)
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment pay
- Tips you report on taxes
Be sure to include all taxable income when you apply or update your estimate.
Will extra summer income affect my Medicaid eligibility?
It could. If your income rises above Texas Medicaid limits, you might no longer qualify. In that case, EIMA Health can help you move to a Marketplace plan without a coverage gap.
How much does it cost to get help from EIMA Health?
Our help is 100% free. You never pay for our guidance or support. We’re here to help you choose a plan, report changes, and stay covered — without fees or pressure.
Are short-term health plans a good option for gig workers?
Short-term plans often don’t provide full protection. They may skip important benefits like prescriptions or preventive care and might not cover pre-existing conditions. Marketplace plans usually offer better value and security.
Can EIMA Health help me with dental and vision insurance too?
Yes! We can help you explore affordable dental and vision plans that fit your budget and needs.
This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on July 08, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
