In this explosive Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast episode, Tom Quigley delivers his most powerful reality check yet on the 2026 healthcare crisis. With UnitedHealthcare and other major carriers raising premiums by 40–52%, Tom exposes how employers are being ripped off in broad daylight—and how ClaimLinx’s simple, proven system could slash costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Tom reveals an actual client example: their premiums skyrocketed from $62,000 to $95,000, yet with ClaimLinx, those same benefits could cost just $25,000—a savings of over $800,000. He calls out insurance companies, agents, and Congress alike for being part of a corrupt, profit-driven machine that’s pushing small businesses and the middle class to the brink.
This episode is classic Tom: unfiltered, data-driven, and fiercely protective of the American business owner.
The Breaking News: Out-of-Control Premium Increases
A real business example shows a 52% rate hike from UnitedHealthcare.
ClaimLinx’s solution would cut those costs by nearly 75%.
Tom: “Help me help you. I’ll save you $800,000—but you have to listen.”
Why Premiums Are Exploding
The sunset of government subsidies opened the floodgates for carriers to gouge businesses.
“These companies—United, Aetna, all of them—they’re stock companies. Their job is to increase stock value, not protect you.”
The Math No One Talks About
Tom breaks down the numbers:
Middle plan: $180,000 premium reduction potential.
Out-of-pocket lowered for employees.
Employer net savings: $150,000–$250,000 on a 25-person team.
“It’s math, not emotion. The agents don’t even understand the spreadsheets they’re selling.”
How the Current System Hurts Employees
HR departments are cornered, employees pay more for less, and agents collect bigger commissions.
“Everyone wins but you: agents get a raise, carriers please their shareholders, and states collect premium taxes.”
The ICHRA Illusion vs. the ClaimLinx Solution
Tom exposes individual coverage HRAs (ICHRAs) as a costly trap.
“Premiums and out-of-pocket hit $10,500—what a joke.
A Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan does it all better and cheaper.”
How to Survive the 2026 Crisis
Rethink insurance: buy catastrophic coverage only and self-fund benefits through tax-advantaged plans.
“Pay for direct primary care—$99/month, unlimited visits, cheaper labs—and save the rest for real emergencies.”
Stop giving away $50,000 a year to insurance companies. “Invest it in your people or your business.”
Tom’s Message to Congress
“They’re all corrupt. They live in la-la land.”
He proposes a national fix:
A $50,000 deductible for every American, funded by tax-free savings and competitive markets underneath.
“Let the free market and logic win—this system is designed for failure.”
The Middle Class Is Getting Crushed
Wages can’t keep up with inflation and healthcare inflation.
“They’re paying $4,600 a month for health insurance—that’s their mortgage, their car, and their cottage combined!”
Tom warns that small business owners who accept these hikes are dooming their future.
Stop buying insurance the traditional way. You’re financing corporate greed.
Switch to a Medical Expense Reimbursement model. It’s flexible, legal, and proven to save 50% or more.
Use Direct Primary Care to eliminate waste and give employees real healthcare access.
Contact ClaimLinx now before your 2026 renewals hit—every day you wait, you lose money.
“They’re stock companies. Their job is to make shareholders richer—not to protect you.” — Tom Quigley
“Help me help you. I’ll save you $800,000 if you just listen.” — Tom Quigley
“It’s math, not emotion. The agents can’t even read their own spreadsheets.” — Tom Quigley
“They all win—insurance agents, carriers, the state—and you lose.” — Tom Quigley
“You’re buying health insurance like you’re buying gas from a station that just doubled its price—and thanking them for it.” — Tom Quigley
👉 Website: www.ClaimLinx.com
In this special Halloween edition of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, Tom Quigley and Neil Haley dissect breaking news from the healthcare industry: CVS Health’s shocking decision to exit the ACA individual marketplace in 17 states for 2026. While some may see this as an isolated corporate move, Tom argues it’s a clear reflection of a profit-obsessed system collapsing under its own weight.
With his trademark candor, Tom calls out the real motives behind CVS’s exit—profit margins and shareholder demands—not consumer care or innovation. He breaks down how the ACA individual market became an unprofitable “loss leader” for major corporations, likening CVS’s health plans to the cheap gas at a convenience store—a hook to get people in the door to buy other stuff.
Throughout the conversation, Tom and Neil use sharp analogies, humor, and blunt truth to expose the dysfunction in the current system and guide business owners on how to protect their teams from market chaos in 2026 and beyond.
Why CVS Really Exited the ACA Market
CVS Health, through Aetna, wasn’t earning enough profit to satisfy shareholders.
Tom: “They’re stock companies. If they’re not making enough for their shareholders, they’re gone—goodbye, see you next.”
Their ACA product featured limited networks and underperforming teams—“probably former failed insurance agents,” Tom jokes.
The Corporate Game: It’s All About the Store Traffic
CVS’s goal wasn’t to revolutionize health insurance—it was to get more people into the store.
Tom compares their strategy to gas stations offering cheap gas to sell snacks and drinks.
“Drugs were their loss leader,” Tom says. “They wanted you to come in for prescriptions, then leave with almonds, ice cream, and a passport photo.”
Impact on Employees and Consumers
Those with CVS/Aetna ACA plans will have to switch to other carriers in their state.
Some states, like Kentucky, have only two carriers left, making this exit more significant.
Still, Tom emphasizes: “It’s just one more carrier playing the profit game—it’s not about care, it’s about stock price.”
Deeper Instability or Business as Usual?
CVS’s move doesn’t signal a total collapse but highlights systemic instability where insurers chase higher-profit markets.
“They might make 10% profit, but they want 20%. It’s never enough,” Tom explains.
How Small Businesses Can Protect Their Teams
Tom urges business owners to change their mindset: buy catastrophic insurance only, then fund the rest of the benefits directly.
“Stop chasing headlines. You’re not buying insurance—you’re building benefits,” he says.
ClaimLinx’s approach helps businesses control their own benefits, avoiding disruptions caused by insurer shifts or government subsidies.
Lessons from the Corporate Health Shuffle
Large insurers view health coverage like CVS views snacks—it’s about upselling.
Insurance companies want you to add dental, vision, and extras that bring pure profit.
“They want impulse buyers,” Tom says. “If everyone only bought what they needed, the whole agent system would collapse.”
The November Crunch: Renewals and Subsidy Changes
With subsidies set to sunset, fearmongering headlines will explode—but Tom insists it’s just political theater.
“They’ll adjust the premiums, move a few numbers, and make it sound like the world’s ending,” he quips.
His advice? “Ignore the noise. Focus on your business’s balance sheet.”
“If you’re smart, you buy catastrophic insurance and fund benefits yourself. Everyone else is just impulse-buying health care.” — Tom Quigley
“It’s all buzzwords and headlines—CNN, MSNBC, they love scaring people. I love saving them instead.” — Tom Quigley
👉 Website: www.ClaimLinx.com
📞 Schedule a Call: Talk to Tom Quigley and his team to find out how your company can cut costs and improve benefits for 2026 and beyond.
Stay ahead of healthcare disruption with the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, where Tom Quigley and Neil Haley deliver straight talk on how to beat the system, save money, and empower your employees.
In this Halloween edition of Cutting Edge Benefits, host Tom Quigley and co-host Neil Haley tackle the chilling reality of what 2026 holds for U.S. employers facing skyrocketing healthcare costs. With projections showing nearly a 9% rise in employee healthcare costs, Tom delivers a candid and fiery take on what’s truly driving this crisis—greed, corruption, and complacency at every level of the healthcare system.
Tom calls out the insurance carriers, pharmaceutical giants, hospital administrators, and even government agencies for perpetuating an unsustainable model that punishes small and mid-sized businesses. He argues that the traditional way of buying health insurance is broken—a “round peg in a square hole” that no longer fits the modern economic landscape.
But this episode isn’t just a rant—it’s a roadmap. Tom outlines ClaimLinx’s proven strategy to help businesses fight back, lower costs, and enhance employee benefits by leveraging tax laws and innovative plan design. Through ClaimLinx’s Simple Option Solution, employers can transform health insurance from a crippling liability into a competitive business asset.
The 2026 Health Insurance Cost Explosion
Premiums expected to rise nearly 9%, with some companies already seeing 30–40% increases.
Tom bluntly states: “It’s all about greed. It’s all about the Benjamins.”
Corruption in the System
A raw look at how profit-driven motives—from insurance carriers to big pharma—keep driving costs higher.
“Corrupt people allow corrupt things to happen,” Tom says, emphasizing the need for employers to outsmart the system.
The Myth of “Lower Rates”
Many brokers claim to secure lower rates, but they quietly strip away benefits—raising deductibles and removing copays.
Example: A supposed “6% decrease” that actually hid a 20% rate increase and a shift from a $500 to a $3,000 deductible.
Impact on Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
The rising costs threaten business survival and employee satisfaction.
Passing the burden to employees is a short-term fix that destroys morale, retention, and recruiting power.
The ClaimLinx Advantage
ClaimLinx teaches companies to buy insurance smarter and use tax laws to their advantage.
Employers can save up to 50% while offering better benefits than competitors.
Tom likens it to turning “a liability into an asset” on the company balance sheet.
Timing is Everything
November is renewal season, and HR teams are bracing for bad news.
Tom urges business owners: “Don’t be another sucker who takes the rate increase—change the game.”
Stop accepting rate hikes as inevitable—there’s always a smarter way to buy insurance.
Use tax codes strategically to reduce employer and employee costs.
Evaluate benefit designs that give employees more coverage at less cost.
Schedule a call with ClaimLinx before renewal deadlines to explore custom savings opportunities.
👉 Website: www.ClaimLinx.com
📞 Schedule a Call: Book a consultation with Tom Quigley and his team to find out how to save up to 50% on your 2026 healthcare costs.
“Corrupt people allow corrupt things to happen.” — Tom Quigley
“It’s like Christmas every day for me—I get to show people how to win the healthcare game.” — Tom Quigley
“They think they’re heroes for stripping benefits. They’re not saving you money—they’re robbing your employees.” — Tom Quigley
Catch every episode of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast—your insider’s guide to smarter healthcare strategies for 2026 and beyond.
Simulcast weekly on The Neil Haley Show across 150+ stations and all major podcast platforms.
💡 Key Discussion Points⚙️ Actionable Takeaways🔗 Connect with ClaimLinx🗣️ Memorable Quotes🎧 Listen & Subscribe
In this powerhouse episode, Tom Quigley breaks down how small businesses should approach buying health insurance for 2026. With inflation, subsidy uncertainty, and insurance carrier greed on the rise, most businesses are wasting tens—sometimes hundreds—of thousands of dollars every year.
Tom lays out a step-by-step framework for saving money while providing better employee benefits, and exposes the shocking truth about brokers, HR decision-makers, and even departments of insurance.
Get the Lowest-Cost Option
Ask your current carrier for the cheapest available plan with the same network—no matter the deductible.
Run the Math with ClaimLinx
Tom’s team will show you how much you’re overpaying and what you can recover by managing benefits yourself.
Design a Strategic Plan
Let employees voluntarily go on spouse plans, Medicare, TRICARE, or ACA subsidies if applicable. Structure your plan to allow this and capture more savings.
Optimize & Layer Benefits
Use a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) to improve benefits tax-free, stack group plans if needed, and add disease grants, hospital discounts, and prescription savings to reduce costs even further.
💰 “Your broker works for the insurance company—not for you.”
🚫 “Insurance agents make more money the more you spend. Of course they’re not showing you how to cut costs.”
🧮 “If I can save you $100K, why didn’t your broker already do that?”
😤 “HR and office managers shouldn’t be in charge of buying health insurance. They’re protecting their turf, not your company.”
🐒 “A chimpanzee could do what most brokers do.”
“My job is to win. I’m incentivized by what I save you. I don’t sell policies—I fix broken systems.”
“You’re not just saving money—you’re increasing your business’s valuation and EBITDA overnight.”
“Egos and laziness are costing companies millions. Do the math, and do better.”
Tom shares how he tried to help a private equity-backed company save $10 million/year—only to be dismissed by the CEO who said he was “too busy.” The same company’s agent admitted they had the best benefits at the lowest cost—all thanks to ClaimLinx.
Small to mid-sized business owners under 50 employees
CFOs and CEOs looking to reduce their 2026 healthcare spend
Any employer tired of brokers pushing rate hikes without strategy
Private equity groups managing portfolio companies' expenses
HR directors open to real solutions (not clinging to control)
Don’t throw money away on bad benefits. Get the truth.
👉 Visit ClaimLinx.com
📅 Schedule a free discovery call with Tom and his team.
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HealthInsuranceStrategy #SmallBusinessSavings #MedicalExpensePlan #TomQuigley #BusinessHealth #EmployerBenefits #2026Planning
💡 Key Takeaways:✅ Tom’s 4-Step Process for Buying Smarter in 2026:💣 Hard Truths Tom Drops:🧠 Tom's Business Philosophy:🔥 Real Talk:📈 Who This Episode Is For:🎯 Call to Action:📲 Shareable Hashtags:
In this no-holds-barred episode, Tom Quigley takes aim at Washington’s latest political standoff—the looming expiration of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. With the government shutdown still unresolved, Tom explains why cutting subsidies could devastate small business owners, self-employed individuals, and middle-class families across America.
As always, Tom delivers real talk with no sugar-coating. He breaks down how enhanced ACA subsidies lowered premiums to manageable levels for many working Americans—and why eliminating them would cause premiums to skyrocket 400–600%, leaving people either uninsured or broke.
⚖️ Subsidy Extensions Are on the Chopping Block: Republican lawmakers signal willingness to negotiate—but do they even understand what’s at stake?
📈 What Happens If They Expire?: Many people paying $300/month could see premiums balloon to $2,000–$3,000/month.
🏛️ Who’s to Blame?: Tom names names—hospital administrators, health insurance companies, agents, even state departments of insurance.
💸 Why Congress Should Support Subsidies: Cutting subsidies reduces government tax revenue in the long run. Tom explains why the math doesn’t add up.
🤔 The Bigger Problem: Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle “don’t understand health insurance.” It’s time to stop making healthcare a political weapon.
🛑 The Real Victim: The middle class—those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, but also don’t make enough to absorb $24K+/year in premiums.
🗳️ 2026 Elections Are Coming: If these subsidies disappear, expect outrage from voting Americans—especially the middle class.
✅ Why ClaimLinx Clients Are Protected: Tom designs plans so that subsidies are a bonus—not a requirement—for affordability.
“These clowns don’t understand anything about health insurance… if they did, they’d be promoting subsidies—not fighting them.” — Tom Quigley
“You’re running with thieves: the insurance companies, hospitals, agents, departments of insurance. You don’t have to be a thief—but you better think like one.” — Tom Quigley
“When rates go from $300 to $3,000, people will be screaming. And guess who votes? The middle class.” — Tom Quigley
“My job is to win. I’m incentivized based on what I save my clients. I win. We don’t lose.” — Tom Quigley
If Congress lets these subsidies expire, small businesses and entrepreneurs will take the biggest hit. But you don’t have to wait for Capitol Hill to decide your financial future. ClaimLinx has a proven, tax-advantaged approach that helps businesses save thousands—with or without subsidies.
Don't wait for Congress. Take control now.
👉 Visit ClaimLinx.com
📅 Schedule a free strategy session with Tom and his team.
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HealthInsuranceSubsidies #ACA2026 #GovernmentShutdown #SmallBusinessHealthCare #TomQuigley #MiddleClassCrisis #HealthcareReform #HealthcareInflation
💡 Key Discussion Points:🔍 Notable Quotes:📌 What This Means for Business Owners:🎯 Call to Action:📲 Hashtags for Sharing:
In this episode of Cutting Edge Benefits, Tom Quigley welcomes longtime friend and benefits expert Aaron McDonaldfrom Medfinity Financial for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked benefits in the small business world—disability insurance.
Aaron shares how reverse discrimination in traditional group benefits plans leaves high-income earners significantly underinsured—and what business owners can do to fix it. You’ll learn how guaranteed standard issue disability planscan provide custom protection for executives and key employees, regardless of health status. Plus, they explore how these solutions perfectly complement ClaimLinx’s cost-saving healthcare model.
⚙️ What “reverse discrimination” means in disability benefits for high earners
🧩 Why most small business benefit packages are incomplete without key person disability
💼 How ClaimLinx clients are layering disability coverage into their savings strategy
🚫 Why traditional group disability coverage usually falls short
✅ What is “guaranteed issue disability insurance”—and why it’s a game changer
👩💼 How 3 high-income employees are enough to start a disability coverage plan
💡 Using benefits to increase business valuation before an exit
📈 Why adding disability + retirement protection helps retain and reward top talent
🧠 Real-life examples of business owners upgrading limited coverage to full protection—even when previously deemed uninsurable
Disability insurance is the most important benefit a business owner can have—it protects your income when you can’t work.
Most small businesses undercover their highest-paid employees, exposing them to serious financial risk.
Medfinity Financial’s partnership with Guardian allows guaranteed issue disability plans starting with as few as 3 employees—no medical questions required.
ClaimLinx and Medfinity are working hand-in-hand to provide a holistic benefits approach: healthcare savings + disability + retirement protection.
Better benefits = better retention, better recruiting, and higher business valuation.
“If you can’t work, where’s your money coming from?” — Tom Quigley
“We help protect high-income earners from reverse discrimination in traditional group disability plans.” — Aaron McDonald
“You could be completely uninsurable... and still qualify for this guaranteed coverage.” — Aaron McDonald
“Disability insurance removes the need for GoFundMe pages.” — Tom Quigley
➡️ Aaron McDonald, Medfinity Financial
📞 Phone: (248) 633-1394
🌐 Website: medfinityfinancial.com
📧 Email: AMcDonald@medfinityfinancial.com
➡️ Tom Quigley, ClaimLinx
🌐 Website: www.claimlinx.com
📅 Schedule a Consultation: Schedule a call
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #DisabilityInsurance #SmallBusinessBenefits #ExecutiveBenefits #KeyEmployeeProtection #MedfinityFinancial #ExitPlanning #BusinessValuation #EmployeeRetention #GroupInsurance #ReverseDiscrimination #TomQuigley #AaronMcDonald #TheNeilHaleyShow
🔥 Topics Covered:📌 Key Takeaways:💬 Quotes to Remember:🔗 Resources & Contact Info:📲 Hashtags for Social Media:
In this no-holds-barred episode of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, Tom Quigley breaks down the hard truth about why healthcare inflation is outpacing wages and profits—and what small businesses must do in 2026 to stay alive. From corporate greed and rigged state insurance laws to hospital billing scams and bloated broker commissions, Tom doesn’t hold back.
You'll hear how ClaimLinx’s Simple Option Solution uses alternative funding models, tax laws, and smart plan design to save companies up to 50% on healthcare—without cutting employee benefits. It’s a complete mindset shift from the old, broken system—and one every CFO, CEO, and business owner needs to hear.
💣 The truth about healthcare inflation: Why costs keep rising no matter what
💊 How hospital administrators and stock-driven insurance companies are driving costs
🧾 Why maternity costs have jumped from $5,000 to over $20,000
🧠 Why HR managers should NOT be making insurance decisions
💸 How to measure your insurance costs like a profit-driving business expense
📉 The secret behind “alternative funding models” and how ClaimLinx uses them to save money
💼 How brokers are incentivized NOT to save you money—and what to do about it
📈 Using a tax-efficient strategy to reduce premiums and improve employee coverage
🧪 Why Tom calls himself the “mad scientist” of healthcare benefits (and why it works)
🔁 Why large companies are often more wasteful than small ones—and how to beat both
Stop outsourcing critical benefit decisions to HR and office managers who don’t understand the math.
Evaluate your healthcare spend the way you’d evaluate a million-dollar sale.
Ask: “If my business saved $500K on insurance, what would that mean for profit or valuation?”
Take advantage of 1954 tax code Section 105—it’s legal, powerful, and underutilized.
Don’t settle for 10–20% rate increases—fight back with data, design, and better partners.
“It’s not an HR decision—it’s a corporate profitability decision.” — Tom Quigley
“Every tax law has tax breaks—you just need to know how to use them.” — Tom Quigley
“They float a 10% rate hike like they’re doing you a favor. That’s not savings. That’s theft.” — Tom Quigley
“If you’re paying more and getting less, you’re the sucker at the poker table.” — Tom Quigley
✅ Schedule a call with Tom: www.claimlinx.com
🎧 Listen to past episodes: Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast
📊 Learn about the Simple Option Solution: How It Works
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HealthcareInflation #2026Benefits #TomQuigley #AlternativeFunding #SmallBusinessHealthcare #InsuranceScam #HealthPlanSavings #HRvsCFO #HealthcareTransparency #StopOverpaying #EmployeeBenefits #NeilHaleyShow
🔥 Topics Covered:🛠️ Key Takeaways for Employers:💬 Quotes to Remember:🔗 Resources:📌 Hashtags:
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, host Tom Quigley welcomes special guest Kyle Fields, CEO of ApproRx, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that’s rewriting the rules of prescription drug pricing. Together, they dive deep into the massive flaws, corruption, and hidden costs embedded in the U.S. pharmaceutical system—and how employers and individuals can fight back.
Kyle exposes how big-name PBMs operate like vertical monopolies, profiting from conflict of interest, rebate manipulation, and lack of transparency. He explains how ApproRx operates differently—by putting pharmacists back in charge and building a fully transparent, rebate-returning PBM model.
Tom and Kyle also reveal how their partnership—ClaimLinx for medical expense management and ApproRx for prescription savings—creates a one-two punch solution for cutting healthcare costs up to 50–70%.
💊 What Is a PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager)?
🔍 Why Traditional PBMs Are a Hidden Four-Letter Word
📉 $30M to $11M: Real Case Studies of Prescription Cost Reduction
🧾 Where Do Manufacturer Rebates Actually Go? (Hint: Not to You)
💼 Why Office Managers & HR Staff Shouldn’t Choose Your Insurance
🤝 The ClaimLinx + ApproRx Partnership Model That Slashes Costs
📉 How to Negotiate Down Drug Pricing Without Sacrificing Care
🧠 Putting Pharmacists Back in Charge of Clinical Decisions
📊 How to Analyze Your Current PBM and Spot Hidden Fees
📢 Why It’s Time for CFOs and CEOs to Take Back Control
One employer reduced their $30M prescription spend to $11M
Kyle’s team can save 25-40% without even seeing your data—just by knowing you’re with a Big 3 PBM
ClaimLinx clients report dramatic decreases in hospital claims and prescription confusion
Run a PBM audit using real claims data
Educate HR and C-level leadership on PBM structures
Stop paying for Lamborghinis (branded drugs) when a Corolla (generic) will do
Ask your PBM:
How much did I spend on rebates?
What were your margins?
What are your conflicts of interest?
🌐 ApproRx: www.approrx.com
📞 ClaimLinx: www.claimlinx.com
🔍 Connect with Kyle Fields on LinkedIn
📊 Want a PBM Audit? Book a call through ApproRx or ClaimLinx
“Why are we giving employees Lamborghinis when a Corolla will do just fine?” – Kyle Fields
“Every employer is paying for a hidden middleman. We just expose it.” – Tom Quigley
“The problem with healthcare is the people who pay the bill don’t understand what they’re paying for.” – Kyle Fields
If you’re a:
✅ CEO or CFO trying to reduce total benefits spend
✅ HR Manager tired of escalating employee complaints
✅ Broker who actually wants to provide value
✅ Employee overwhelmed by unpredictable drug pricing
…this episode is your blueprint for cutting through the noise and putting control back in your hands.
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #ApproRx #PBMReform #PharmacyBenefitManager #PrescriptionSavings #KyleFields #TomQuigley #RebateTransparency #HealthcareSavings #EmployeeBenefits2026 #SelfFundedPlans #NeilHaleyShow #BrokersBehavingBadly #HealthcareCorruption #FixTheSystem
💥 Key Topics Covered:🔄 Real-World Examples:🔧 Tools, Strategies & Tips:🔗 Resources:💬 Quotes to Remember:🧠 Audience Takeaways:📌 Hashtags:
In this episode, Tom Quigley explores how the subscription economy—popularized by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime—is making its way into healthcare. This revolutionary model of “pay only for what you use” is becoming more popular among small and medium-sized businesses who are tired of rising premiums and wasted healthcare costs.
Tom explains how direct primary care, concierge medicine, and on-demand care models are reshaping the way businesses approach employee health benefits—and how ClaimLinx’s M.E.R.P. strategies are perfectly aligned to support this shift.
💡 What Is Subscription-Based Healthcare?
Monthly membership with a direct care provider
Unlimited visits, longer appointments, better care
More personalized than traditional insurance plans
💸 Why “All-You-Can-Eat” Healthcare Is Outdated
Group insurance = overpaying for unused services
Employees forced to use in-network doctors with limited access
Concierge services give freedom, transparency, and real value
🛠️ Technologies & Structures Making This Possible
Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs)
AI-powered claims tracking
Vendors that offer outside-the-box solutions (like AproRx for prescriptions)
📉 Cutting Healthcare Waste
Pay for what employees actually use
Employers can subsidize concierge care tax-free
Avoid high-cost claims and unnecessary ER visits
🔄 How ClaimLinx Implements It
Custom hybrid plan designs
Employer-funded monthly payments for direct primary care
Layered with catastrophic insurance coverage for big-ticket items
“Direct care is like Netflix. You pay monthly, go as much as you want, and you’re treated like a VIP.”
“The traditional system is broken. Stop sitting around the coffee machine complaining—do something about it.”
“Five minutes with ClaimLinx can save your company thousands. Why not make that call?”
Stop overpaying for traditional group health insurance.
Explore direct primary care and concierge medicine options.
Use ClaimLinx’s MERP structure to fund it tax-free.
Let employees choose smarter, faster, more personal care options.
Save thousands annually while improving employee satisfaction.
📞 Schedule a consultation with Tom: www.claimlinx.com
🌐 Learn more about hybrid plans and MERPs
🤝 Partner with out-of-the-box vendors like AproRx
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #SubscriptionHealthcare #MERP #DirectPrimaryCare #SmallBusinessHealthPlans #ClaimLinx #TomQuigley #ConciergeMedicine #PayForWhatYouUse #HealthcareInnovation #EmployeeBenefits2026 #NeilHaleyShow #HealthcareSavings #MedicalExpenseReimbursement #AlternativeHealthcare
🧠 Key Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:💡 Takeaways for Employers:🔗 Resources & Links:📌 Hashtags:
As health insurance rates soar heading into 2026, ClaimLinx CEO Tom Quigley returns with a critical breakdown of how small businesses can still save money on employee benefits—despite looming subsidy cuts and state-approved rate hikes.
From understanding the difference between individual and group plans, to setting up MERPs (Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans) and HSAs, this episode is your no-nonsense guide to beating the system legally and keeping more cash in your company’s pocket.
If you're a small business owner looking to cut your healthcare budget in half without cutting coverage—this episode is a must-listen.
📈 Why 2026 Could Bring Massive Rate Increases
State Departments of Insurance are greenlighting premium hikes
Loss of ACA subsidies could shrink the individual market
💸 What’s a MERP?
How a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan gives employers total control
Offers tax-free savings for businesses and employees
Can work alongside group, individual, Medicare, or spousal plans
🧠 HSAs vs FSAs: What’s the Difference?
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) = carry over, tax-free, and better for long-term strategy
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) = use-it-or-lose-it
🧮 Why It’s All Just Math
The “batter up” flashcard analogy for fast calculations
The importance of understanding real savings—not just choosing the cheapest plan
⚖️ Individual Plans vs Group Plans
Individual plans are often cheaper (thanks to federal regulation and COVID-era pricing)
Group plans = better for control, especially with level-funded options
How businesses under 50 employees can optimize both
📊 Plan Audits and Rate Negotiation
Uncover hidden savings
Maximize value for both employer and employee
What traditional brokers won’t tell you (because it cuts their commission)
“MERPs are like an HSA for your company. Tax-free, low risk, and your employees win.”
“The insurance companies are losing their shirts? Capital B, capital S. Fill in the blanks.”
“If you're paying $2,000 per month for a family plan—do the math. There's a better way.”
Stop overpaying for health insurance in 2026.
Let the ClaimLinx team model your savings and show you a smarter way to offer benefits.
📞 Book a free consultation at: www.claimlinx.com
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HealthInsuranceSavings #MERP #HSA #FSA #EmployeeBenefits #SmallBusinessTips #ACA2026 #MedicalReimbursement #LevelFundedPlans #TomQuigley #BenefitStrategy #Q4Planning #GroupHealthInsurance #HealthcareCrisis #AffordableCareAct #TaxFreeSavings #ClaimLinxPodcast
💡 Key Topics Covered:💥 Quigley Quotes:📣 Call to Action:🏷️ Hashtags:
In this powerful episode, Tom Quigley breaks down one of the most misunderstood choices in employee benefits: Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Plans.
Tom reveals why most employers are drastically overpaying for group health coverage and how a smarter, hybrid strategy using MERPs, HSAs, and individual plans can cut health insurance costs by 50% or more—without sacrificing employee benefits.
Whether you're a small business owner, CFO, or HR director, this episode will reshape how you view your company’s healthcare spend.
💼 Why Group Plans Are Still Being Sold
Agents only get paid commissions on group plans
Most business owners are unaware of better alternatives
💸 The Real Cost of Group Plans
Same network, same coverage—but at a higher price
Case study: 50-person company in Maine saved $120,000 by switching to individual
🏠 Own vs. Rent Analogy
Group Health = renting a house
Individual Health = owning a house (you take it with you when you leave)
🔁 Blended Strategy: Diamond, Sapphire & Crystal Solutions
Let employees purchase their own plans (with tax-free reimbursement)
MERPs cover deductibles
Employees receive better benefits at a lower cost
🔢 Why It’s Just Math
Group agents “take shots” while ClaimLinx “scores goals”
Second-grade math is all it takes to see the savings
🧮 Case Study Highlights:
5-person company: saved $60,000
100-person company: saved over $1 million
Individual family: saved $30,000/year
“Group plans are like renting a house. Individual plans? You own it.”
“Group agents take shots. I score goals.”
“It's just basic math. Second or third-grade stuff. The people who cried in math class are the ones making your health insurance decisions today.”
Take the emotion out of it.
Look at the numbers.
Consider a hybrid strategy.
Schedule a free call with ClaimLinx.
📞 Book your free consultation now at: www.claimlinx.com
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #GroupHealthInsurance #IndividualPlans #MERP #EmployeeBenefits #SmallBusinessSavings #TomQuigley #HealthcareReform #CostCutting #EmployeeRetention #AffordableCareAct #TaxFreeBenefits #HealthInsuranceTips #DiamondSapphireCrystalPlans #NeilHaleyShow #BusinessStrategy2026
💡 Key Topics Covered:🗣️ Notable Quotes:✅ Action Steps for Employers:🏷️ Tags & Hashtags:
In this episode, ClaimLinx CEO Tom Quigley returns to share important updates as the company expands going into Q4—and doesn't hold back. Tom discusses the launch of new claim system software, Employee Navigator, and how these tools are making benefits easier for both employees and employers.
But the real fire starts when Tom calls out the HR departments and office managers who resist change and end up costing employees better benefits and lower costs—all because they don’t want to adapt.
It’s an unfiltered, high-stakes conversation about ownership, accountability, and why most employers still don’t understand how health insurance should actually work.
🚀 New Upgrades at ClaimLinx
Employee Navigator integration
Enhanced claim system for faster service and transparency
Streamlined communication for claim status and benefit tracking
🔁 Why You Must Change How You Buy Insurance
The broken traditional model: one card, $5K deductibles, endless rate hikes
Why using two cards and a MERP strategy is better for everyone
How to cut costs while improving benefits
😤 The HR Bottleneck: Tom’s Unfiltered Rant
Why HR managers sabotage benefits due to fear of change
How office managers “act like kindergartners” over software forms
Why company owners need to take back control of decision-making
🛠️ Q4 Surge: Planning for 2026 Benefits
Why most renewals happen in January
Tips for streamlining enrollment
How HR can either be your secret weapon—or your greatest liability
“They’re not upset because the work is harder—they’re upset because they might have to work at all.”
“If this were a 401(k), they’d be in jail for what they’re doing to employees.”
“You’re trusting someone who doesn’t bring in revenue to make decisions that cost your business hundreds of thousands.”
Don’t let outdated thinking sabotage your employee benefits.
🚨 Schedule your consultation with ClaimLinx today to learn how to cut your health costs in half and give your team better benefits.
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #EmployeeBenefits #Section105 #HRNightmares #MERPStrategy #TomQuigley #HealthcareSavings #Q4Planning #InsuranceReform #BetterBenefitsLowerCost #HealthcareReimagined #SmallBusinessHR
💡 Key Topics Covered:🔥 Tom Quigley Soundbites:📣 Call to Action:🏷️ Hashtags:
Healthcare Subsidies at Risk: What a Government Shutdown Means for Your Premiums
In this urgent episode, ClaimLinx CEO Tom Quigley breaks down the looming government shutdown and its devastating consequences for health insurance subsidies. Tom simplifies what most of Washington and the media overcomplicate—how ACA subsidies work, why they matter to millions of Americans and small businesses, and what happens if they expire on January 1st, 2026.
From family premiums skyrocketing back up to $2,000/month to the return of junk “Christian Mingo” MEC plans, Tom explains why both employers and employees should be deeply concerned—and why this issue has nothing to do with party politics and everything to do with common sense.
📘 What Are Health Insurance Subsidies?
ACA subsidies = upfront tax credits to lower your premium
How they’re calculated and how income affects eligibility
🔥 The Subsidy Cliff Is Coming in 2026
Enhanced COVID-era subsidies are set to expire
Millions could lose hundreds or thousands in monthly support
Example: A family currently paying $200/month could jump to $2,000/month
🏛️ Congressional Chaos & the Shutdown Standoff
Why the Senate wants to tie subsidy expansion to the budget
House Republicans refusing to play ball
The dangerous political gamble no one’s talking about
💥 How Small Businesses Get Burned
Misunderstanding subsidies = overpaying for employee insurance
Why making your plan unaffordable on purpose can save both sides
How Quigley’s math proves the IRS wins when businesses let employees access the marketplace
💬 Tom’s Take: “I lean conservative, but the Democrats are right about this.”
Health insurance shouldn’t be political—it should be practical
Employers, employees, and taxpayers all lose if subsidies expire
Are you relying on ACA subsidies to afford your healthcare?
Is your business paying more than it should for employee benefits?
Don’t wait until January 1st to find out you’re on the wrong plan.
📞 Schedule a free consultation with Tom and the ClaimLinx team today.
🔗 Visit: www.claimlinx.com
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #ACASubsidies #HealthcareCrisis #GovernmentShutdown #TaxCredits #AffordableCareAct #TomQuigley #EmployeeBenefits #SmallBusinessInsurance #Q4Planning #Obamacare #Section105 #HealthInsuranceStrategies #FixHealthcare #BenefitSolutions
💡 Key Topics Covered:📣 Call to Action:🏷️ Hashtags:
n this urgent episode of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, Neil Haley and ClaimLinx CEO Tom Quigley tackle a massive and growing threat to working families: medical debt from hospital bills. With eye-opening stats and on-the-ground stories, Tom explains how employers are often unintentionally setting their employees up for financial disaster—simply by choosing outdated health plans with high deductibles and poor design.
Tom reveals exactly how to negotiate with hospitals, access hidden grants, and implement smarter plan designs to avoid medical bankruptcy. He even drops real math: if you’re working full time and hit your deductible, it could be costing you $2.41 per hour worked—per family member.
If you’re a business owner, HR leader, or employee overwhelmed by hospital bills, this episode is a must-listen.
💸 The Real Reason Medical Debt Is Exploding
🏥 Why hospital billing departments don’t tell you about financial assistance
📉 How traditional insurance design leads to $5K–$10K deductibles—and unpaid bills
💡 Tom’s insider strategies for negotiating with hospitals
💻 The free online tools that help you find disease-specific and drug assistance grants
🛠️ How to restructure your plan to reward employees for choosing urgent care over ER
🔧 What employers can do right now to lower costs and reduce debt risk
🤐 Why most HR departments aren't qualified to manage healthcare plan design
"If you're working 40 hours a week, every hour could be costing you $2.41 just to cover your deductible. Now multiply that by your spouse and kids. This is what employees are up against."
"You can negotiate your hospital bill. Ask what they’ll take as 'payment in full'—you’ll often save 20% or more."
"Hospitals have grants that cover part—or all—of your deductible. But they won’t tell you unless you ask."
"If your employer offers a junk insurance plan that covers $1,000 a day in the hospital when it costs $5,000, you're screwed."
💊 NeedyMeds.org – Find grants for drugs and conditions
Employers must redesign their plans to reduce medical debt exposure
Telehealth and urgent care should be the first line of defense
Most hospital bills are negotiable
Grants and rebates exist—but you have to know where to look
Medical debt causes anxiety, stress, and employee turnover—it’s a business issue, not just a personal one
If you're an employer who wants to reduce employee debt, improve retention, and cut your healthcare spending in half...
📅 Schedule a consultation with ClaimLinx now
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HospitalDebt #MedicalBankruptcy #EmployeeBenefits #Section105 #SmartHealthcare #HealthcareSavings #TomQuigley #HealthInsuranceTips #SmallBizHR #WorkplaceWellness
💡 Key Topics Covered:🧠 Tom’s Game-Changing Tips:🧭 Resources Mentioned:✅ Takeaways for Employers & Employees:📣 Call to Action:🏷️ Hashtags:
In this fiery episode of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, host Neil Haley and ClaimLinx CEO Tom Quigley expose the truth behind political promises, hidden tax advantages, and why the healthcare system is rigged against small businesses. Tom offers a bold, controversial, yet pragmatic plan for fixing health insurance in America—starting with a $50,000 universal deductible and smart tax law navigation.
Tom explains how lobbyists, bloated government systems, and corrupt state insurance departments prevent meaningful healthcare reform—leaving small employers stuck with unaffordable options. From level-funded plans being banned in certain states to the pending expiration of ACA subsidies, Tom pulls no punches in warning what's coming if action isn't taken.
💥 The $50,000 Deductible Solution — Tom’s radical but simple fix to stabilize the system
🔁 How federal laws (ACA, Inflation Reduction Act) interact with state-level insurance policies
🚫 Why states like New Hampshire and New York are blocking small business access to affordable plans
💸 How subsidies, if cut, could bankrupt families and small businesses
💼 Why Section 105 MERPs still offer the best legal tax advantages for small employers
🏥 The rise of reinsurance providers behind major carriers—and why you’re paying more for less
📉 The real math behind group health plans and how employers can cut costs by 50% without sacrificing benefits
🗳️ Which 2026 election issues matter most for healthcare—and why both parties are missing the mark
⚠️ What every employer needs to know before ACA enhanced subsidies expire in 2025
“You’re running with thieves. You don’t have to be one—but you better learn how they think, or you’ll get buried.”
— Tom Quigley
“We passed the ACA and didn’t read it. That would get you fired anywhere else—but not in politics.”
— Tom Quigley
“The biggest myth? That your insurance agent is saving you money. Most are stuck selling plans from 30 years ago.”
— Tom Quigley
“Want to fix the system? Put a $50,000 deductible on everyone and let Americans choose how to fund the gap—subsidies, private insurance, self-funding. Problem solved.”
— Tom Quigley
✅ Don’t blindly trust your broker—learn the math behind your plan
✅ Stop overpaying for “rich” insurance plans that don’t deliver
✅ Use Section 105 to reimburse employees tax-free and retain top talent
✅ Take advantage of current subsidies before they vanish in 2025
✅ Don’t wait for Washington—you can fix your company’s health plan now
👉 Business Owners: Want to legally reduce premiums up to 50% AND improve your employee benefits?
📅 Schedule a call with ClaimLinx
#CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #HealthcareReform #TomQuigley #SmallBusinessHealthPlans #Section105 #ACASubsidies #HealthInsuranceSavings #MedicalExpenseReimbursement #Election2026 #Reinsurance #HealthPolicyTruth #AffordableCareAct
💡 Key Topics Covered:🧠 Tom’s Mic-Drop Moments:🔧 Takeaways for Business Owners:🔗 Resources:📣 Call to Action:🏷️ Hashtags:
In this special episode, Neil Haley sits down with Tom Quigley, benefits expert and CEO of ClaimLinx, and Sarah Chadzynski, a 2026 U.S. congressional candidate from New Hampshire, for a powerful conversation that merges healthcare policy, election strategy, and real-world impact.
Tom shares deep insights into the upcoming sunset of enhanced subsidies under the ACA, revealing how the loss of these subsidies could disrupt healthcare affordability for millions of Americans—and why the consequences affect everyone, even those not receiving subsidies.
Sarah, a former educator and nonprofit leader, brings a refreshing, bipartisan tone to the conversation as she discusses her run for Congress, her stance on universal access to preventative care, and the need for legislators to work together to create meaningful change. The trio tackles the politics of healthcare, lobbyist interference, and why both the left and right have failed to deliver sustainable solutions.
🚨 What happens if ACA subsidies expire in 2025—and who it hurts most
📉 How ClaimLinx uses Section 105 and strategic plan design to slash healthcare costs
🏥 Why Medicaid expansion isn't a full solution—and how emergency care overuse spikes premiums
🤝 The critical need for bipartisan reform in the U.S. healthcare system
💬 Why representation should be a two-way conversation—and how Sarah is building that dialogue in her campaign
💸 How small businesses are denied access to cost-saving health plans due to outdated state-level insurance restrictions
🧮 The math behind high premiums and low deductibles—and why employers are missing the bigger picture
🇺🇸 What it means to run a people-first campaign in a hyper-polarized political climate
“If subsidies vanish, people won’t magically pay $1,800 a month for insurance. They'll go uninsured — and everyone’s costs will go up.” — Tom Quigley
“We need to build policy that’s people-centered. Not party-centered. Not donor-centered. People-centered.” — Sarah Chadzynski
“Running with thieves doesn't mean you have to be one — but you better understand how they operate if you want to save money.” — Tom Quigley
“Representation is a conversation. I'm not here to lecture — I'm here to listen, respond, and represent.” — Sarah Chadzynski
Sarah is a community organizer, former educator, and nonprofit leader running for U.S. Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District. She’s committed to bringing authentic representation to Washington, with a focus on accessible healthcare, mental health support, and national security. She believes in leading with empathy and logic, and working with constituents from all sides of the aisle.
🔗 Learn more and support her campaign: SarahC603.com
Business owners facing rising healthcare costs
Individuals concerned about ACA subsidies expiring
Healthcare professionals advocating for systemic change
Political independents, moderates, and change-driven voters
Anyone interested in healthcare reform from both policy and practical standpoints
🏥 ClaimLinx: Affordable Healthcare for Businesses & Individuals
📊 Section 105 Explained: How It Can Save Your Company Thousands
Business Owners: Want to legally cut premiums by 20–50% and improve your employee benefits?
👉 Schedule a call with Tom at ClaimLinx
Voters: Want your voice to matter in 2026?
👉 Submit a question to Sarah for Talk to Me Tuesdays
#HealthcareReform #ACA #ClaimLinx #CuttingEdgeBenefits #SarahChadzynski #NHPolitics #HealthInsuranceSavings #BipartisanSolutions #TomQuigley #SmallBusinessHealthcare #Congress2026 #MedicalExpenseReimbursement
💡 Key Topics Discussed:🔥 Quotes That Stood Out:📣 About the Guest – Sarah Chadzynski💼 Who Should Listen:📌 Resources:📲 Call to Action:🔗 Hashtags:
As Q4 approaches and business owners begin scrutinizing their bottom lines, Tom Quigley returns with timely insights on why health insurance should be at the center of year-end tax strategy.
In this episode, Tom explains how most businesses are making critical mistakes—overpaying for benefits, underutilizing tax breaks, and blindly accepting annual rate increases. Tom reveals how ClaimLinx’s solution not only slashes healthcare costs but also provides strategic tax advantages using Section 105 medical expense reimbursement plans.
Neil and Tom also share a few laughs, diving into Tom’s college days and his thoughts on what accountants and brokers aren’t telling business owners.
❌ Why a "small" 8% premium increase could still mean massive overpayment
💰 How most accountants and brokers miss key tax-saving strategies
🧮 How to do the math: Calculate real savings using your existing carrier’s lowest-cost option
⚖️ Understanding why brokers may not want you to switch plans
📉 How to structure benefits to save employers money and make employees happier
🧾 Using Section 105 tax law to turn healthcare costs into guaranteed tax write-offs
✅ How small businesses can offer better benefits than big corporations
🤐 Why HR reps and brokers may not be showing you the full picture
🔄 The difference between reactive and proactive health insurance planning
“If you're already overpaying 50% and your rates go up another 8%… that's not a win.” — Tom Quigley
“You're running with thieves. You don’t have to be one—but you better know how they think.” — Tom Quigley
“Why would a broker help you save $250,000 if it means they lose $20,000 in commissions?” — Tom Quigley
“Using your calculator—yes, the one on your phone—you can figure out that you’re losing money.” — Tom Quigley
Business owners reviewing benefits during tax season
CFOs and finance leads preparing for Q4 planning
HR professionals evaluating insurance renewal options
CPAs and advisors seeking to offer clients more tax-saving strategies
Anyone frustrated with increasing premiums and poor benefit value
Want to slash premiums and improve your benefits before year-end?
👉 Go to www.claimlinx.com to schedule your consultation with Tom and his team.
#HealthInsurance #TaxPlanning #Section105 #Q4Planning #SmallBusinessTax #EmployeeBenefits #CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #CostSavings #MedicalExpenseReimbursement #HealthcareStrategy
🧠 Key Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:💼 Who Should Listen:📣 Call to Action:🔗 Related Resources:📌 Hashtags:
In this episode, Neil Haley and Tom Quigley dive into one of the hottest workplace health topics of 2025: the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Are they a breakthrough for employee health—or a financial sinkhole for employer-sponsored plans?
Tom offers a reality check, explaining that these drugs were originally developed for diabetes, not general weight loss. While they’ve gained mainstream popularity, most insurance carriers don’t cover them for non-diabetic purposes—placing employers in a tough spot.
Tom breaks down how ClaimLinx handles employer requests for coverage, the tax-advantaged strategies available for companies that want to help fund them, and how businesses can avoid falling for the hype without harming employee morale or benefits.
The original purpose of Ozempic and Wegovy: diabetic management, not weight loss
Why most insurance companies deny coverage for GLP-1s unless tied to diabetes
How these medications entered the public spotlight as a weight-loss solution
What employers need to know about rising demand from employees
Legal ways employers can choose to cover them—if they want to
Manufacturer rebate programs and alternative sourcing strategies
Why blindly covering these medications won’t reduce long-term health costs
Why Tom calls the healthcare system “running with thieves”
How ClaimLinx guides clients through tough decisions on coverage and cost-benefit
“Ozempic is not a miracle weight-loss drug. It’s a diabetic medication being repurposed—and the insurance companies know it.” — Tom Quigley
“If employers think covering this drug will lower their insurance costs, they’re mistaken. HIPAA prevents you from controlling the risk pool like that.” — Tom Quigley
“You can continue buying insurance the same way you always have… or you can legally pay half and give your team better benefits.” — Tom Quigley
“It's not about saying yes or no to a drug. It's about understanding how to pay for it wisely—if you choose to at all.” — Tom Quigley
🚫 Insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss unless the patient is diabetic or pre-diabetic
✅ Employers can still fund these meds via Section 105 plans or MERPs—but should do so with clear caps and policies
💡 Use manufacturer programs or coupon cards to reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees
🔍 Consider the cost-benefit ratio: Does this improve morale and recruitment, or open the door to spiraling costs?
🧮 ClaimLinx helps businesses run the math and make data-driven decisions—not emotion-driven ones
Small & mid-sized business owners
HR directors and benefits managers
CFOs concerned with rising healthcare costs
Brokers and advisors needing clarity on GLP-1 drug coverage
Employees wondering why Ozempic isn’t covered by their plan
Website: www.claimlinx.com
Schedule a Free Consultation: Contact Tom & ClaimLinx
Related Podcast: Mental Health Coverage & Rising Deductibles
#Ozempic #Wegovy #GLP1Drugs #HealthcareCosts #EmployeeBenefits #ClaimLinx #Section105 #MERP #WeightLossDrugs #EmployerHealthPlans #CuttingEdgeBenefits #NeilHaleyShow #PrescriptionDrugCosts #HealthcareHackathon
🧠 Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:🧰 Practical Takeaways for Employers:🎯 Who This Episode Is For:📍 Resources:📣 Hashtags:
In this episode of the Cutting Edge Benefits Podcast, host Neil Haley and ClaimLinx’s Tom Quigley tackle the growing mental health crisis in the workplace and the often overlooked costs tied to it. With mental health coverage now dominating HR conversations in 2025, Tom explains how rising stress, burnout, and post-pandemic anxiety are affecting both employees and employers.
More importantly, Tom outlines how employers — particularly small to mid-sized businesses — can offer meaningful mental health coverage without skyrocketing their health insurance premiums. He shares how ClaimLinx's Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) helps companies structure better mental health benefits, reduce deductible burdens, and support employees in accessing care, all while saving money.
Why mental health coverage is dominating workplace headlines in 2025
The connection between COVID fallout and rising anxiety/depression in employees
How prescription medications like generic Lexapro are becoming common for workplace stability
The serious risks of cutting or underfunding mental health services
How rising deductibles quietly undermine mental health access
The role of Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs) in supporting mental wellness
How ClaimLinx helps employers pay for therapy, medications, and even red light therapy or neurofeedback — legally and confidentially
Creative, tax-advantaged ways to offer mental health coverage through Section 105
"Mental health isn’t just a personal issue anymore — it’s a business issue. Ignoring it costs you talent, productivity, and in some cases, lives." – Tom Quigley
"If an employee has ADHD and you help them get the meds or therapy they need, they might become your best salesperson. Why wouldn’t you support that?" – Tom Quigley
"Employers aren't cutting mental health services — they’re increasing deductibles, which ends up doing the same thing." – Tom Quigley
"Running with thieves doesn't mean you have to be one — but you'd better understand the game if you want to win it." – Tom Quigley
✅ Raise awareness among employers that mental health coverage isn't just a "nice to have" — it's essential to team performance and retention.
✅ Avoid raising deductibles as a short-term fix — it discourages mental health care.
✅ Use MERPs to cover first-dollar expenses for therapy, medications, and alternative treatments.
✅ Keep it HIPAA-compliant — employers won’t see what employees are using their reimbursements for, but they'll see the ROI in morale and productivity.
Small and medium-sized business owners
HR professionals and CFOs
Self-employed individuals concerned about mental health coverage
Consultants and benefits advisors
Website: www.claimlinx.com
Schedule a Free Consultation: ClaimLinx Contact Page
Read Tom’s Books: How to Beat the High Cost of Healthcare and How to Beat Obamacare – available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
#MentalHealth #EmployeeWellness #HealthcareCosts #MERP #Section105 #HealthInsurance #CuttingEdgeBenefits #ClaimLinx #SmallBusinessBenefits #WorkplaceMentalHealth #NeilHaleyShow #BenefitsPodcast #EmployeeRetention #ReduceBurnout
🧠 Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:🧰 Practical Takeaways:🎯 Who This Is For:📍 Resources:📣 Hashtags:
In this deep-dive origin story episode, Tom Quigley shares the early beginnings of ClaimLinx and how he, his wife Christie, and tax attorney Ed Lyon pioneered a healthcare revolution. From uncovering the power of IRS Section 105 to disrupting how businesses think about health insurance, Tom reflects on 23+ years of fighting rising premiums and outdated thinking.
He explains why most employers are still stuck using 30-year-old strategies and how his team empowers companies to reduce costs and improve employee benefits—using nothing more than basic math and a willingness to challenge the system.
How Tom’s wife, Christie, left her job at Anthem to build ClaimLinx’s internal TPA
What IRS Section 105 is—and why most companies are missing out
Why employers continue to buy health insurance the wrong way
How insurance agents and carriers profit from employer ignorance
The math behind high deductibles vs. high premiums
Real talk on why most employees don’t understand their own benefits
The “two plus two vs. three plus one” metaphor that explains it all
Why running a business in the health insurance world requires thinking like a thief (without becoming one)
“You don’t have to be a thief—but you better think like one if you want to stay ahead of the game.” – Tom Quigley
“This isn’t calculus—it’s basic second-grade math. But the industry has made it look like rocket science so they can keep you confused.” – Tom Quigley
“Most employees only know two things: what comes out of their paycheck and how much they pay at the pharmacy. And that's a problem.” – Tom Quigley
“If you’re still buying insurance like you did 30 years ago, you’re bleeding money. And your employees aren’t getting better care either.” – Tom Quigley
Business owners under 100 employees
CFOs and HR professionals seeking better healthcare ROI
Tax strategists and benefits brokers exploring smarter funding models
Employees frustrated with rising costs and poor coverage
Tom’s books available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
How to Beat the High Cost of Healthcare
How to Beat Obamacare
Visit: ClaimLinx.com
Book a Consultation: Learn how to restructure your company’s health plan
Explore the Section 105 Strategy: Unlock overlooked tax savings
Hashtags:
#ClaimLinx #CuttingEdgeBenefits #TomQuigley #HealthcareReform #SmallBusinessSavings #EmployeeBenefits #Section105 #HealthcareDisruption #NeilHaleyShow #HealthInsuranceRevolution
🔍 Key Topics Covered:💡 Notable Quotes:🧭 Who This Episode Is For:📚 Related Reading:🔗 Resources: