Giving Employees Free Healthcare Saves Employers Money | with Chris Mathew

“The idea with WellGenie is, what if we can increase access and remove the cost burden? Then we give the opportunity for people to not delay care.” - Chris Mathew, WellGenie

Many employees have insurance they can’t afford to use. Every prescription, virtual visit, and specialist appointment costs them money, so they put off care until small problems become expensive ones.

Chris Mathew joined me this week to explain how WellGenie makes everyday care free for each employee and up to four family members: generic and brand medications, unlimited virtual and behavioral health care, same-day specialist access, and a personal health guide.

It runs alongside an employer’s existing carrier, TPA, and PBM, keeps those costs off the health plan, and refunds 40% of its fees if it doesn’t lower costs in the first year. Chris also shares why one state was told to walk away from $110 million in savings, and the thank-you bottle of wine he once sent a broker before learning how brokers get paid.

If your employees are insured but avoiding care, this is the episode for you. Tune in.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.

Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.

Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.

Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro: Free Care, Lower Costs

(00:00:19) The State That Was Told to Stand Down

(00:05:00) Broker vs. Consultant

(00:07:10) The Thank-You Note to His Broker

(00:15:30) Catching Up With Chris

(00:20:53) Insured but Can’t Afford Care

(00:28:13) $0 Generics and Cheaper Brand Drugs

(00:33:38) Unlimited Virtual and Behavioral Care

(00:44:08) Same-Day Specialist Access

(00:46:42) The Personal Health Genie

(00:57:03) The Money-Back Guarantee

(01:11:59) Recap and Closing Thoughts

Key Links for Social:

@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded

Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02

Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286

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