Quick answer
Not as a regular health plan. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so Lyft doesn’t offer them employer health insurance. But in two states, drivers who work enough hours can get money toward a plan they buy themselves: in California under Prop 22, up to about $579 a month in 2026, and in Massachusetts under a 2024 settlement, up to $405 a month. Everywhere else, drivers without other coverage can buy a Marketplace plan and may get a tax credit.
Key takeaways
- Lyft drivers work as independent contractors and don’t get a Lyft health plan.
- In California, drivers who average at least 15 hours of booked time a week can get a health subsidy each quarter: about $289 a month at 15 to 25 hours and $579 at 25 or more in 2026.
- In Massachusetts, drivers averaging 25 or more hours a week get $405 a month, and those averaging 15 to 25 hours get $202.50. Hours on Lyft and Uber can be combined.
- In both states, you have to buy your own qualifying plan. Employer plans, Medicaid and Medicare don’t count.
- Drivers elsewhere can buy a Marketplace plan and may qualify for a premium tax credit.
On this page
Why Lyft drivers don’t get health insurance
Lyft treats drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Federal rules can penalize large employers that don’t offer health coverage to full-time employees, but that doesn’t apply to contractors. So in most states, getting insurance is up to you, like any self-employed worker. See health insurance for the self-employed.
California: the Prop 22 health subsidy
Under Prop 22, Lyft pays a quarterly health subsidy to California drivers who average at least 15 hours of booked time a week and have a qualifying health plan:
| Average hours per week in the quarter | Subsidy | About per month in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 25 | Half of the average contribution | $289 |
| 25 or more | The full average contribution | $579 |
To get it, you have to be the subscriber on a plan that qualifies as minimum essential coverage and isn’t through an employer, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Medicare, the VA or TRICARE. Upload proof of enrollment in the Lyft app within 15 days after each quarter ends.
Massachusetts: the settlement health stipend
A 2024 settlement between the Massachusetts attorney general, Uber and Lyft set up a health insurance stipend for drivers in the state:
| Average hours per week in the quarter | Stipend |
|---|---|
| 25 or more | $405 a month ($1,215 per quarter) |
| 15 to 25 | $202.50 a month ($607.50 per quarter) |
- You can combine your hours on Lyft and Uber to qualify.
- You must be the subscriber on a health plan that isn’t paid for by an employer and isn’t Medicare or Medicaid, such as a Health Connector plan.
- The payments are handled by Stride once your eligibility and documents are verified.
The settlement also set a minimum pay rate of $34.48 per hour of engaged time as of January 2026, paid sick leave, and occupational accident insurance of up to $1 million paid by the companies.
How Lyft drivers can get health insurance
- A Marketplace plan. Premium tax credits are based on your income, and for drivers that means net earnings after expenses. Many drivers qualify for low-cost plans. See what is a subsidy in health insurance and how to lower your Marketplace premium.
- Medicaid if your income is low enough in your state; see health insurance for low-income families.
- A spouse’s or parent’s plan, if you have access to one.
- The tax break. Self-employed drivers can often deduct health insurance premiums. See is health insurance tax deductible.
If you drive for more than one app, see does Uber offer health insurance and does DoorDash offer health insurance.
More employer guides: Amazon, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Costco, CVS, DoorDash, FedEx, Home Depot, Kroger, Lowe’s, McDonald’s, Publix, Starbucks, Target, Uber, UPS and Walmart.
Driving for Lyft? Compare Marketplace plans by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Does Lyft offer health insurance to drivers?
Not a health plan. Lyft drivers are independent contractors. In California and Massachusetts, drivers who work enough hours can get a stipend toward a plan they buy themselves.
How much is the Lyft health stipend in California?
For 2026, about $579 a month if you average 25 or more hours of booked time a week, or about $289 a month at 15 to 25 hours, paid quarterly.
Can I combine Uber and Lyft hours for health benefits?
In Massachusetts, yes. The settlement lets drivers pool hours from both companies to qualify for the stipend.
Sources
Gig company benefits change often. This article is general information based on Lyft’s and state agencies’ published materials and isn’t affiliated with Lyft. Last reviewed September 2026.