Part-time and contingent workers in the nation’s growing gig economy have long struggled to afford health insurance under the traditional fee-for-service model. Direct payments remove the financial barriers that make lower and middle-wage earners ration or avoid care, as well as cause medical debt – the leading reason for personal bankruptcy.

The centerpiece of this new game-changing model is an incredibly low price point that finally makes doctor visits accessible in the face of rising out-of-pocket costs. Health Sharing  offers access to discounted  services involving a national network of providers for each layer of service. This is in lieu of hefty premiums that saddle most working Americans with untenable out-of-pocket costs. Since so many patients already finance their routine care between copays and coinsurance in high-deductible health plans, the key component to Health Sharing  is offering a reasonable monthly premium.

The arrangement can be financed any number of ways. Some employers, for example, may pick up the entire cost for their employees and/or dependents. Others might offer their employees a stipend toward the benefit. Direct pay also can be made available as a voluntary or enhanced benefit through payroll deduction to employees, as well as independent contractors who can use their own credit card to pay for services.

Providing this arrangement can serve as a wise investment for employers during a very challenging labor market, especially with regard to part-time or contingent workers. Health insurance is the most coveted employee benefit, but what good is it if the coverage costs too much?