Which Health Benefit Actually Fits Your Practice? Group Plan, Stipend, QSEHRA, or ICHRA
If you've ever wondered whether you have to offer health insurance in your practice, or which option makes the most sense, this episode is for you. Julie starts with something that surprises a lot of owners: you're probably not required to offer health insurance at all. From there, she walks through the four ways a practice can handle health benefits, what each one costs you, and how each is taxed for both you and your team. She covers which option is really just taxable pay, a word of caution about group plans and the cost control you give up when premiums rise, and why she recommends not trying to administer some of these on your own. She also spends time on how all of this works for you as the owner, including the S corp step that needs to be handled correctly before year end. In this episode: Why you're probably not required to offer health insurance at all The four options every practice owner has, and how each is taxed for you and your team Why a health stipend is the simplest option, and why it's fully taxable The 2026 QSEHRA limits, and how much control you keep over the cost A word of caution about group plans and rising premiums Why your 1099 contractors can't be included in any of these What S corp owners need to get right before year end Where to start if a full health plan feels out of reach Most practices Julie talks to are nowhere near the 50-employee threshold that would require coverage. Whatever you choose, it should be a choice, not guilt. 📖 Profit First for Therapists: https://www.profitfirstfortherapists.com/ 💼 Work with my accounting firm, GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultation 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/subscribegoa This episode is educational only. Julie is an accountant, not an insurance broker or attorney, so check with your own broker, tax preparer, and attorney for your specific situation.




