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Healthcare for a Company of One: A Real Alternative for Solopreneurs w/Tom Morrissey
Healthcare is the #1 concern from wannabe escapees DM Brett about. Today, benefits veteran and fellow escapee Tom Morrissey breaks down a solo-friendly health plan designed for one-person companies: Solo Health Collective. We cover who qualifies, how underwriting your business (not you as an individual) changes the game, pricing logic, networks, what’s covered, what’s not, and where this is all headed (biomarkers, portable benefits, and association plans). If you’ve ever said “I’d leave corporate, but… benefits,” this is your episode.
Links:
- Solo Health Collective: https://hbgsolo.com/
- Tom Morrissey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommorrisseyhbg/
What You’ll Learn
- Who qualifies & how it works: EIN required, brief medical history, plan in your business’s name (self-insured structure for solos).
- How it’s different: Not ACA and not a sharing ministry; three high-deductible options ($2.5K / $5K / $10K) with 100% coverage after the deductible and no annual/lifetime max.
- Network & Rx: Open network with MultiPlan/PHCS PPO; pharmacy via Pharos Rx; prior auth for big procedures.
- Costs & fit: Age-rated pricing—often competitive vs. ACA when you compare total cost + design—but not for everyone (medical questionnaire matters).
- Service that doesn’t stink: Human, concierge-style support (aka you can talk to a person).
- The road ahead: Optional “Solo-Plus” wellness track (full lab panels 2x/year) to drive better health and better underwriting; watch items like portable benefits and association health plans that could expand options for independents.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome & why healthcare keeps people stuck
02:00 What Solo Health Collective is (and isn’t)
04:00 Tom’s background (Cigna → self-insured solutions for small employers → solos)
07:30 Why underwrite the business of one (EIN)
10:30 The cost problem (everywhere) & what drives premiums
15:00 Getting a quote in minutes; three plan designs; preventive care at 100%
18:45 Networks (MultiPlan/PHCS), open access, prior auth for big bills
21:00 White-glove support & Trustpilot traction
22:45 Who it’s not for (questionnaire fails; ACA may be better)
24:30 Simplicity: deductible = out-of-pocket; families cap at 2x deductible
25:40 Future: biomarkers program, better health → better rates
30:30 Policy watch: portable benefits & association health plans
34:30 Final advice: know all your options; compare total cost & design
About Our Guest
Tom Morrissey is a benefits industry veteran (40+ years) and co-builder of Solo Health Collective, a national health plan purpose-built for self-employed business owners with no W-2 employees. Previously with Cigna serving mid-market and national accounts, Tom now focuses on accessible, concierge-level benefits for one-person companies.
Disclaimer
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Compare options (ACA, off-exchange, group, and Solo Health Collective) and choose what fits your situation.
Published on 1 week ago