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Nov. 10, 2026

Keep Your Doctors, Ditch the Big Carrier Networks | with Jarred Pierce

Keep Your Doctors, Ditch the Big Carrier Networks | with Jarred Pierce
Keep Your Doctors, Ditch the Big Carrier Networks | with Jarred Pierce
Self Funded With Spencer
Keep Your Doctors, Ditch the Big Carrier Networks | with Jarred Pierce

“The worst thing and last thing you want is a bunch of your employees complaining about, I don’t have access or my kid’s pediatrician’s not in the network.” - Jarred Pierce


Most networks hand employers a directory and tell members to make it work. When employees lose their doctors, the complaints land on HR.


In this episode, Jarred Pierce, co-founder of Unity Preferred Network, explains how he builds a network around each group’s claims data and the doctors its members already use. He’s been building PPO networks since he was 17, and this time he’s signing nearly 2,000 provider tax IDs a month with simple contracts, fair rates, and payment within 30 days.


We also cover how percentage-of-savings fees can pay a network more than the doctor, why Medicare is still the pricing benchmark, and why Unity puts a big focus on mental health.


If you want better access at a lower cost for your clients, 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) Introduction

(00:00:34) A Network Built Around Your Members

(00:02:49) Why Big Carrier Networks All Look the Same

(00:05:39) Building PPO Networks Since 17

(00:13:01) Why Jarred Started Unity

(00:19:27) How Unity Builds a Custom Network

(00:25:24) What Providers Get: Fair Rates, Paid in 30 Days

(00:27:54) Why Employers Make the Switch

(00:30:41) When the Network Makes More Than the Doctor

(00:32:50) What Changes for Members

(00:47:35) Why Mental Health Matters

(00:55:42) 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


Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/


Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/