When most people think about health insurance, they picture the traditional employer-sponsored plan, often a one-size-fits-all PPO or HMO that comes with limited options and rising premiums. But there are also more flexible (and affordable) alternatives.

Brewery owners have been asking us for years to identify affordable health care solutions. What that looks like will be different per each company, their employees, and their individual needs. Check out our traditional plans, sponsored by Decisely, or see below for three alternatives.

Note: The Brewers Association partnered with Decisely in response to member interest in affordable coverage options. We don’t make money on this program or earn a commission. Our goal is to provide you with options to explore, not steer you in a particular direction.

ICHRA

The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is a flexible alternative to traditional group health plans. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all policy, employers provide a fixed monthly allowance that employees can use to buy their own individual health insurance plan through the marketplace or directly from a carrier.

Why it matters:

• Choice and portability: Employees can choose plans that meet their specific health needs and keep coverage even if they change jobs.
• Cost control for employers: Predictable monthly costs with no group plan negotiation headaches.
• Tax advantages: Contributions are tax-free for both employers and employees.

ICHRA is especially popular among small and mid-sized businesses or those with a dispersed workforce. It offers a balance between support and flexibility without the administrative complexity of managing a group plan. Learn more about ICHRA.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine surged during the pandemic, but many don’t realize it can function as a low-cost, standalone supplement for those between (or without) insurance plans.

Some services now offer virtual primary care memberships, often for less than $50/month. These platforms typically include:

• Unlimited virtual visits with doctors or nurse practitioners
• Prescription refills
• Mental health counseling
• Chronic condition management

For individuals with relatively basic medical needs, telemedicine can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs and fill critical gaps in care especially when paired with a catastrophic or high-deductible plan.

Government Subsidies Through the ACA Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans can be cost-effective especially when subsidies are in play. Individuals could potentially qualify for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, even if their income is higher than previous limits. This is a worthwhile option to explore, but might not be available in the future. Some subsidies are set to sunset at the end of this year, so plan costs could increase. If your access is impacted, consider pinging your employer about traditional plans, ICHRA, or telemedicine.

Final Thoughts: Rethinking Health Insurance

Traditional employer-sponsored insurance isn’t going away anytime soon, but it’s no longer the only path. Whether you’re an employer looking to offer smarter benefits or an individual exploring affordable options, understanding alternatives like ICHRA, telemedicine memberships, and ACA subsidies can help you find alternatives that meet your needs.