Revolutionizing Health Plans: A Better Way for Employers and Employees

In this eye-opening episode of Take Charge with HELPcare, hosts Lee Aase and Dan Hinmon sit down with Colton Storla of North Risk Partners to explore how forward-thinking strategies are transforming employer-sponsored health plans.

At the heart of the discussion is the concept of direct primary care (DPC) — a model that not only enhances healthcare access for employees but also drastically cuts costs for employers.

Storla explains that the traditional health insurance model resembles employees carrying around “unlimited credit cards” — unaware of service costs or quality. This leads to wildly inconsistent pricing, such as MRIs ranging from $400 to $4,000 or hip replacements costing anywhere between $20,000 and $120,000. By creating direct contracts with independent providers and cutting out traditional insurance middlemen, employers can dramatically reduce costs while offering high-quality care.

The foundation for these revolutionary health plans and one of the most powerful tools in this approach is DPC, where employees pay no out-of-pocket costs for routine care. This proactive model keeps people healthier, reduces ER visits, and prevents costly chronic conditions.

HELPcare Clinic in Austin, MN is the DPC cornerstone of the new Mower County Health Plan, which is saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars while giving free primary care to county employees and their dependents.

Storla also breaks down the murky world of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), revealing how traditional insurers profit through hidden tactics like spread pricing and manufacturer rebates. Instead, he recommends transparent PBMs that align with employer interests.

While some employers are hesitant to move away from familiar systems, Storla assures that change doesn’t have to be hard — and that the results often speak for themselves: better benefits, lower costs, and healthier employees.

This episode is a must-listen for any employer tired of rising premiums and looking for a sustainable, people-first healthcare solution.

To get a new audio episode of Take Charge with HELPcare each Monday, be sure to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the video edition by subscribing to the HELPcare YouTube channel.

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Rachel Borg

Rachel is HELPcare's Membership Director and the HELPcare Challenge Coordinator. She lives in Winchester, KS with her husband and six children.