# Software Developers & Tech Contractors — Coverage Checklist

*Ship code, keep coverage.* Work through this before you shop or renew.

## Get your number right
- [ ] Start from: contract / 1099 revenue (full year)
- [ ] Severance and RSUs vesting this calendar year count toward MAGI — include them, especially in a layoff year.
- [ ] Add all other household income (spouse W-2, side work) — the marketplace wants one combined figure

## The traps in your line of work
- [ ] Have an answer for: Coverage ending the day a contract or job does
- [ ] Have an answer for: Severance and RSU vesting distorting the layoff-year income estimate
- [ ] Have an answer for: Chaining COBRA elections between engagements instead of owning a plan
- [ ] Have an answer for: S-corp premium mechanics set up wrong in the first year

## Fast facts to remember
- **60 days** — to act after coverage ends
- **W-2 ↔ 1099** — coverage that survives the switch
- **RSUs** — vesting counts toward MAGI

## Before you enroll
- [ ] List your doctors and check them against the plan network
- [ ] List prescriptions and check the formulary
- [ ] Compare at least two plans on deductible AND network, not premium alone

Full guide: https://bishopplans.com/health-insurance-for/ · Tools: https://bishopplans.com/health-insurance-for/tools/
Free to share. Not legal or tax advice.