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