Health insurance is really only affordable when it’s accessed through a larger institution, like an employer or a union. But what about the millions that need healthcare for small business owners? Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent workers don’t have access to those economies of scale, and that is a problem.
For them, traditional healthcare plans often feel out of reach—too expensive, too rigid, and not built for their needs. Fortunately, new solutions are emerging, designed to accommodate today’s workforce with affordable healthcare alternatives that offer flexibility and real protection.
Why Traditional Health Insurance Isn’t Built for You
For decades, traditional insurance has positioned itself as the default way to access healthcare. Plans are built for large companies, unions, and institutions that can offer insurance companies a bulk group of employees in a single package. It’s streamlined and efficient—for the insurance companies.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small business employees and the self-employed now make up 45.9% of the American workforce. Yet this massive portion of workers is often priced out of the system. Without an employer to split the cost, insurance premiums become prohibitively expensive.
In fact, over 60% of uninsured adults go without coverage simply because they cannot afford it, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. If you’ve searched for health insurance for small business owners, health insurance for 1099 workers, or affordable healthcare for self-employed people, you’ve probably run into the same brick wall: sky-high costs for coverage you may rarely use.
The Visibility Problem: Why You Haven’t Heard About Alternatives
One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and freelancers is simply awareness. Many people assume that health insurance is the only way to protect their health and finances. But there are other options—ones that are designed to work for small teams and individuals.
These alternatives aren’t technically insurance, and that’s why they’re often harder to find. But they can meet the same needs: providing access to care, helping pay for major medical events, and delivering peace of mind.
Enter Medical Cost Sharing: A Smarter Approach
Medical cost sharing is a community-based model in which members make a monthly contribution and have the costs of large medical expenses shared among the group. It also includes many of the benefits people value most—like preventative care and telemedicine.
A Small Business Owner Success Story
Take Liam, who owns a small bike shop with two employees. Each year, he looked into traditional small group insurance, but the quotes were always too high. Despite growing his business, the cost of coverage outpaced his budget.
Then Liam discovered medical cost sharing. It offered him and his employees peace of mind—without the crushing premiums.
“I understand that it’s not technically insurance,” Liam says, “but it feels like it to us.”
Freelancers Need Flexibility—Not Frustration
Solo creator Summer is a game developer and 1099 graphics contractor. She assumed she’d have to go without healthcare for the foreseeable future—until a friend told her about alternatives to insurance.
She joined a cost sharing community that fit well within her budget and even came with unlimited telemedicine access.
“Being able to meet with a provider via phone call is such a huge time saver for me!” Summer says. “I’ve always disliked going to the doctor. This way, I can get care without leaving my house—and the medical cost sharing is backup for something major. It just made sense.”
Choosing What Works for You
Whether you’re managing a small team, building your solo business, or contracting as a 1099, your healthcare needs are unique. Much of what traditional insurance offers might not even apply to you—but you’re still paying full price for it.
Ask yourself:
-
Do I need coverage for routine care?
-
Would I benefit more from protection against large medical bills?
-
Do I want virtual care or discounted medications?
The good news? You can mix and match solutions. Many entrepreneurs find that combining options—like cost sharing and telemedicine—offers more value and more flexibility than traditional insurance ever could.
You Have Options—Real, Affordable Ones
Traditional insurance isn’t the only way to access healthcare in 2025. There IS affordable healthcare for small business owners. If you’re a small business owner, sole proprietor, tradesperson, or freelancer, medical cost sharing may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
✅ Ready to Take Control of Your Healthcare?
Explore how Knew Health can help you protect your health, your finances, and your freedom—without traditional insurance.
👉 Learn more about medical cost sharing
