Hi — I'm Ryan Michalek. Independent broker · Tampa Bay · licensed in 31 states · NPN 21043091

Health insurance that doesn't waste your time.

Q: Can I get health insurance if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Self-employed individuals, 1099 contractors, and freelancers buy their own coverage. I compare private under-65 plans to fit your needs and budget.

Q: My COBRA is ending. What are my options?

Losing COBRA is a qualifying life event, so you don't have to wait for open enrollment. I move quickly to find a plan that bridges the gap.

Q: How is this different from the ACA marketplace?

The public marketplace is one path. As an independent broker I compare private options alongside it, which for many healthy individuals and families offers more flexibility for less.

Q: Does it cost anything to work with you?

No. There is no fee to work with us — I am compensated by the carriers, not by you.

Q: What states do you cover?

I am based in Tampa Bay, Florida and licensed in 31 states.

I'm the straight-talk specialist for the self-employed — private, under-65 coverage, a perfect 5.0, and honest advice that puts you first, not the carrier.

For 1099 contractors, freelancers, gig workers, realtors, salon & shop owners, consultants, small-business owners, early retirees & families between plans.

I'll never robocall you. ever. yes — even if you make too much for subsidies.

See my options Call now

Got it. Talk soon.

Rather just grab a time right now?

Book a conversation on my calendar

Who I actually help

If you buy your own coverage, you're my person.

1099 contractorsFreelancersGig workersRealtorsSalon & shop ownersMechanicsConsultantsSmall-business ownersEarly retireesFamilies who lost COBRAAnyone priced out

Honestly? I work best with people who want a real advisor for the long haul — someone to call when life changes — not a one-time transaction. If that sounds like you, let's talk.

don't see your title? if you buy your own coverage instead of getting it through a job, you qualify.

What you actually get

Coverage that works the way you do.

True PPO flexibility

Keep your own doctors. Skip the referrals. Many private plans run broad, nationwide networks.

Enroll any time

No waiting for open season. Private under-65 plans can often be applied for year-round.

Tax-smart if you're self-employed

Your premiums may be deductible. I'll flag what to ask about.
not tax advice — just a nudge.

An advisor for the long haul

No call-center roulette, no quote-and-vanish. One licensed person who picks up the phone for years — when life changes and your coverage needs to keep up. A relationship, not a transaction.

How it works

Three steps. Zero runaround.

You talk to one licensed person — start to finish. No phone tree, no rotating cast.

Tell me your situation

A quick call or the form. I learn what you need covered, your budget, and the doctors you want to keep.

I compare the field

As an independent broker, I line up plans from multiple carriers and translate the fine print into plain English.

Get covered — keep my number

I handle enrollment, then stick around. When life changes, you've got someone who picks up.

Know what you're buying

Health Insurance Plan Types, Explained

Four main plan types, four different trade-offs. Here's the plain-English breakdown — no jargon, no sales pitch.

	PPO	HMO	EPO	POS
Best known for	Maximum flexibility	Lowest cost	Middle ground	Hybrid flexibility
Primary care doctor required?	No	Yes	No	Yes
Referrals to see specialists?	No	Yes	No	Yes
Out-of-network coverage?	Yes	No (emergencies only)	No (emergencies only)	Some
Network size	Broad / nationwide	Narrow, local	Moderate	Moderate
Typical premium	Higher	Lower	Lower-to-mid	Mid
Good fit if you…	Want freedom to choose any doctor, travel, or skip referrals	Want the lowest premium and don't mind a set network	Want lower cost but no referral hassle	Want some flexibility with coordinated care

PPO

Best known for: Maximum flexibility
Primary care doctor required?: No
Referrals to see specialists?: No
Out-of-network coverage?: Yes
Network size: Broad / nationwide
Typical premium: Higher
Good fit if you…: Want freedom to choose any doctor, travel, or skip referrals

HMO

Best known for: Lowest cost
Primary care doctor required?: Yes
Referrals to see specialists?: Yes
Out-of-network coverage?: No (emergencies only)
Network size: Narrow, local
Typical premium: Lower
Good fit if you…: Want the lowest premium and don't mind a set network

EPO

Best known for: Middle ground
Primary care doctor required?: No
Referrals to see specialists?: No
Out-of-network coverage?: No (emergencies only)
Network size: Moderate
Typical premium: Lower-to-mid
Good fit if you…: Want lower cost but no referral hassle

POS

Best known for: Hybrid flexibility
Primary care doctor required?: Yes
Referrals to see specialists?: Yes
Out-of-network coverage?: Some
Network size: Moderate
Typical premium: Mid
Good fit if you…: Want some flexibility with coordinated care

Which is right for you?

Most self-employed people and families who want freedom of choice — keep your own doctors, see specialists without a referral, coverage that travels — lean toward PPO-style plans. If the lowest premium matters most and you're fine inside a set network, an HMO can make sense. Honest answer: it depends on your situation — which is exactly the conversation I have before you commit to anything.

See which plan fits you →

Read the full guide: private coverage vs. the ACA marketplace →

Ryan Michalek, licensed independent health insurance broker and founder of Michalek Health Solutions in Tampa, FL

Ryan Michalek · NPN 21043091

Who you'll actually talk to

You get me. Not a call center.

"I started this because I watched too many good people get stuck with coverage that didn't fit — or pay double for it."

Chicago kid, Tampa Bay transplant. I help individuals, families, and small business owners across 31 states find under-65 coverage that actually makes sense for their life.

Here's the deal: I'm independent, so I'm not pushing one company's product. I'll give it to you straight, compare your real options, and still pick up the phone long after you've enrolled. That's the whole business — and it's why my clients keep sending me their friends.

— Ryan Michalek

Licensed · NPN 21043091BBB Accredited31 states5.0 ★ on Google

Before you call

Straight answers.

Can I get health insurance if I'm self-employed?

Absolutely — it's my specialty. Self-employed individuals, 1099 contractors, and freelancers buy their own coverage. I compare private under-65 plans and help you choose coverage that fits your needs and budget without paying for things you don't need.

My COBRA is ending. What are my options?

Losing COBRA is a qualifying life event, which means you don't have to wait for open enrollment. I move quickly to find a plan that bridges the gap so you're never uninsured. Reach out as soon as you know your coverage is ending.

How is this different from the ACA marketplace?

The public marketplace is one path, but not the only one. As an independent broker, I compare private options alongside what's available to you — and for many healthy individuals and families, private coverage offers more flexibility for less. I'll show you the trade-offs honestly so you can decide.

Does it cost anything to work with you?

No. There's no fee to work with me — I'm compensated by the carriers, not by you. You get a licensed advisor who compares your options and handles enrollment at no extra cost.

What states do you cover?

I'm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, and licensed in 31 states, so I can help clients across much of the country. Tell me where you live and I'll confirm what's available.

Do you help small businesses cover their teams?

Yes. I work with small business owners on group and owner coverage options that give your team real benefits without enterprise-level cost or complexity.

Health insurance that doesn't waste your time.

Got it. Talk soon.

If you buy your own coverage, you're my person.

Point at your situation.
I'll take it from there.

Coverage that works the way you do.

True PPO flexibility

Enroll any time

Tax-smart if you're self-employed

An advisor for the long haul

Three steps. Zero runaround.

Tell me your situation

I compare the field

Get covered — keep my number

Health Insurance Plan Types, Explained

Which is right for you?

You get me. Not a call center.

Licensed in Florida & 31 states.

Straight answers.

Let's see if we're
a fit.

Health insurance that doesn't waste your time.

Got it. Talk soon.

If you buy your own coverage, you're my person.

Point at your situation.I'll take it from there.

Coverage that works the way you do.

True PPO flexibility

Enroll any time

Tax-smart if you're self-employed

An advisor for the long haul

Three steps. Zero runaround.

Tell me your situation

I compare the field

Get covered — keep my number

Health Insurance Plan Types, Explained

Which is right for you?

You get me. Not a call center.

Licensed in Florida & 31 states.

Straight answers.

Let's see if we'rea fit.

Point at your situation.
I'll take it from there.

Let's see if we're
a fit.