What kept me from going all-in on being a full-time entrepreneur over the years? Health insurance.
As the person in our household that held a W-2 position that came with excellent health insurance, we struggled for many years with the question..."what about health insurance?"
Our community told us it could cost our family of 4 more than $1,000 / month if we went out looking for health insurance on our own. Thankfully I was able to find an option that seemed appropriate for us at just $250 / month in 2025 on the ACA website. I made the leap.
In all the research I did, I had no idea that subsidies were helping keep the cost so low for us. When the news came out that rates were going to skyrocket in 2026, I was floored. Our current option hadn't been great (coverage was rather lackluster in many instances), but I was willing to stick with it another year until I learned it would triple in cost AND the coverage would be worse.
Back to research! Into my view came an option called "CrowdHealth". I heard about it on a podcast and it came with a referral code to try. I spent HOURS researching this health share-type option as it was unlike anything I'd ever come across. I had been unimpressed with some of the other health share options I'd found over the years, so I was skeptical. But the hundreds of 5 star reviews and the many hours of podcasts I listened to convinced me to give it a try. The Member Guide was cut and dry. We had the savings to cover our responsibility ($500) for a health event should one ever occur. We also had the savings to pay cash for smaller items like doctor visits as needed since they normally wouldn't reach the $500 threshold.
Our max responsibility each month in 2026 is $660. More than double what we paid in 2025 per month, but better than any option I found both on and off the ACA website for 2026. We have never been asked to pay the full $660 because the "Crowd" has maintained a level of health the keeps costs down.
The price is just one part of the picture. I have found that this company as a whole maintains a level of commitment and transparency I would have never expected to see. When I have questions, there is a person assigned to me as my "care advocate". No calling into a call center halfway around the world and waiting on hold to speak to someone who may or may not be willing to work with me. I can email, text, or call my advocate. More often than not, my questions can be answered with the incredible app that comes with the membership. On top of all that, the community is incredible. I can chat with members, employees, and even the CEO through several different platforms. They care about the health of the community and it shows.
We've thankfully made it almost a year without the need to make any major claims. We've used our "Wellness" dollars of $300 each person on a yearly physical, a vision appointment (and contacts!), a dental appointmens, and a mammogram. Reimbursement was quick and easy through the app - we never waited more than 10 days for reimbursement. I plan to have a couple of blood tests (both fully reimbursable) done in the next few weeks to see if I can even score a further discount on our monthly costs - be sure to check out the Longevity Program if this interests you!
Are you looking for a better alternative to health insurance? Check out CrowdHealth. Want to save some money on your first three months of membership? Use code CASSIE . It's not for everyone (smokers, certain weight limits, pre-existing conditions, etc could be problematic for some people), but it might work for you. Please reach out if you have any questions!
