Pricing, business model, and regulatory path β focused on an HSA-compatible, transparent, low-overhead plan like ClearHealth Basic.
π΅ 1. Pricing: What You Could Realistically Offer It For
These estimates are based on realistic assumptions for a transparent, member-funded health plan that uses reference-based pricing and stop-loss protection.
Core assumptions
- Plan type: HSA-compatible high-deductible plan
- Deductible: $2,000 / $4,000 family
- Reimbursement basis: approximately 120% of Medicare (reference-based)
- Stop-loss attachment: $50,000 per individual
- Target market: healthy to average-risk individuals (freelancers, LLC owners, and families)
| Cost Component | Range (PMPM) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Expected medical claims | $200 β $300 | Preventive, routine, and moderate acute care |
| Stop-loss reinsurance | $80 β $120 | Depends on attachment level and demographics |
| Administrative + TPA | $25 β $40 | Claims, eligibility, and member support |
| Tech / platform fees | $5 β $10 | Portal, HSA integrations, Cost Plus API |
| Margin / reserves | $15 β $30 | Operating margin and risk reserves |
Estimated Total Monthly Contribution
| Tier | Self-Only | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Base estimate | $325 β $400 PMPM | $850 β $1,050 PMPM |
This equates to roughly $3,900 β $4,800 per year for an individual, competitive with ACA bronze HDHPs but with clear pricing, Cost Plus prescriptions, and no network restrictions.
| Variant | Deductible | Monthly Contribution | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearHealth Lite | $3,000 | $280 PMPM | Younger, low-utilization individuals |
| ClearHealth Core | $2,000 | $350 PMPM | Standard member profile |
| ClearHealth Family | $4,000 | $900 PMPM | Two adults plus children |
π¦ 2. Business Model Options
ClearHealth can scale through three structural approaches, each with its own timeline and regulatory considerations.
Option A β Partner Model (MGA / MGU Hybrid)
- Partner with a licensed carrier that already offers HSA-eligible HDHP coverage.
- ClearHealth provides the transparent pricing layer and member-facing platform.
- Operate as a Managing General Agent (MGA) or Managing General Underwriter (MGU).
- Revenue: per-member admin fee (around $25 PMPM) and shared margin with the carrier.
Advantages: fastest route to market, leverages carrier licensing and compliance. Limitations: less control over underwriting, claims, and fund logic.
Option B β Member-Funded Health Pool (Current Model)
- Members contribute monthly to the ClearHealth Fund, held in a segregated trust.
- ClearHealth Admin Services LLC acts as the licensed TPA and administrator.
- Stop-loss coverage protects the fund against high-cost claims.
- Any year-end surplus can be retained as reserves or rebated to members.
Advantages: full control and transparency; non-ERISA, individual coverage; portable and scalable. Limitations: requires strong trust, compliance, and reinsurance partnerships.
Option C β Captive or Mutual Conversion (Phase 2 or 3)
- After scaling to several thousand members, form a regulated captive insurer.
- The captive assumes stop-loss risk and manages reserves and investments.
- Operates similarly to a member-owned mutual association.
Advantages: long-term control over risk and pricing, strong alignment with members. Limitations: requires state licensing and $250kβ$500k in capitalization.
How ClearHealth Generates Revenue
| Revenue Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Admin Fee | Fixed PMPM for claims, tech, and member support |
| Stop-Loss Commission | 5β10% margin on reinsurance contracts |
| Investment Float | Interest earned on fund reserves |
| Data & Insights | Aggregated transparency analytics for partners |
| Surplus Retention | Shared or retained margin when claims fall below projections |
βοΈ 3. Regulatory Path
Phase 1 β Operate as a TPA / Tech Platform
- Register ClearHealth Admin Services LLC as a Third-Party Administrator in Washington or Delaware.
- Contract with stop-loss carriers, banks, and HSA custodians.
- Manage claims, member eligibility, and payment flow.
- No insurance license required; ClearHealth operates as a tech-enabled administrator.
Phase 2 β Member-Funded Health Pool
- Launch ClearHealth Basic for individuals and small LLCs.
- Maintain funds in trust for transparency and member protection.
- Use stop-loss coverage to guard against catastrophic losses.
- Remains outside ERISA and state group plan regulations.
Phase 3 β Captive Formation (After Scale)
- Apply for a captive license in Vermont, Delaware, or Hawaii.
- The captive reinsures the ClearHealth Fund and manages surplus reserves.
- Optional step toward becoming a regulated mutual insurer.
π 4. Suggested Execution Timeline
| Phase | Focus | Duration | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0β3 months | Build MVP tech stack, finalize pricing, form TPA entity | 3 months | Launch pilot fund |
| 3β9 months | Run pilot (100β250 members), collect claims data | 6 months | Validate <85% loss ratio |
| 9β18 months | Expand membership nationally | 9 months | Reach 1,000+ members |
| 18β24 months | Prepare captive licensing and capitalization | 6 months | Transition to risk-bearing entity |
π 5. Positioning Summary
Tagline:
βTransparent, HSA-friendly health coverage with honest prices and no networks.β
Revenue mix at scale:
- 80% member contributions and claims flow
- 10% reinsurance commissions
- 10% data and wellness insights
Target gross margin: 8β12% after stop-loss
Key Differentiators
- Transparent reference-based pricing
- Integrated Cost Plus prescription access
- Real-time HSA reimbursement workflows
- Low administrative overhead through automation
- Portable, member-owned coverage (non-ERISA)
- Path to captive formation for long-term stability
- Competitive cost vs. ACA HDHPs
- Scalable nationwide membership
- Alignment of incentives β healthier members, lower costs
- Data-driven, ethical, and transparent operations
- Partnerships with direct-care providers and fintech platforms
- ClearHealth positioned as a trusted, modern alternative to traditional insurance
Summary: ClearHealth begins as a transparent, member-funded health coverage pool, evolves into a technology-driven cooperative structure with stop-loss protection, and matures into a captive framework that gives members ownership and control of their healthcare funding β all without entering the employer-sponsored or ERISA-regulated ecosystem.
