Healthcare Solutions

At Lowcountry Local First, we know that a thriving local economy is built on the health and well-being of the people who power it. Whether you are a solopreneur navigating the market on your own or a local business with hundreds of employees, finding the right healthcare solution is one of the most significant (and often most complicated) investments you’ll make.

We’ve tapped into the collective expertise of our network to help you cut through the noise. From traditional group insurance to innovative alternatives, we are here to help you discover creative, sustainable ways to care for yourself, your family, and your team.

Medical Cost Sharing & Cooperatives

Traditional insurance isn't the only way to support your team. Our members are increasingly turning to medical cost sharing groups to provide high-quality care without the skyrocketing premiums. For those looking for a non-insurance alternative, Medical Cost Sharing and cooperatives offer a community-based approach to large medical expenses.

• Health Access Solutions (HAS) 

  • Health Access Solutions is a member-owned healthcare cooperative that provides affordable, network-free coverage for large or unexpected medical needs as a lower-cost alternative to traditional insurance. Members pay a monthly fee and a per-incident deductible, and the cooperative covers qualifying medical expenses with any provider of the member's choosing.

  • Employer groups also have access to a preventive wellness program that provides employees with free or low-cost access to everyday health and wellbeing support, including doctor visits, mental health counseling, fitness, nutrition, and preventive screenings.

  • HAS provides a special offer for Lowcountry Local First member businesses, receiving half-off the set-up fee. 

• Sedera 

  • A health cost sharing community that helps cover qualifying large and unexpected medical expenses outside of traditional insurance. You pay a low monthly membership fee and a set "Initial Unshareable Amount" (IUA) for larger needs, while the community shares the rest.

Local Direct Primary Care (DPC) 

DPC removes the middleman, allowing business owners to provide unlimited primary care for a flat monthly fee. We recommend these local options:

• Neighbors Med: Located in Hanahan/North Charleston, Dr. Brian Reinhardt and his team focus on genuine relationships and transparent, wholesale pricing on labs and meds.

• Holy City Med: With locations in West Ashley and North Charleston, they offer "Urgent Care hours with Primary Care attention"—perfect for busy teams who need walk-in access without the ER price tag.

Traditional Market & Expert Navigation

If a traditional group plan is the right fit for your company, don't go it alone. Leverage the expertise of local consultants who understand the market and the full suite of options at your disposal and can tailor plans to your unique needs.

Who Can Help?

• Vero Advising: Vero specializes in "Truth in Benefits," helping businesses move away from bloated plans toward creative, transparent, and level-funded strategies. Contact Catherine Marret: support@truthinbenefits.com

• Workplace Benefits: Based on Daniel Island, this team is dedicated to helping local firms find the most cost-effective health, dental, and vision policies available on the traditional market. Contact Reese Gately to get started: reese@benefitwork.com

• Employer Sponsored Dental Savings Plans exist for teams through LLF member business, Cooper Dentistry. Learn more and get started by contacting Jennifer Mendez: jennifer@cooperfamilysmiles.com 

• Community Resources: Find health, food, housing, job training programs and more in seconds via The Medi's online platform.

• On demand resource: Learn more by viewing a webinar recording from Fall 2025. 

  In this online information session, we explored creative alternatives like cost-sharing communities, direct primary care, and tax-friendly accounts that offer more flexibility and control. Discover practical ways to make healthcare more affordable — without sacrificing quality — and learn how to provide valuable, sustainable benefits to yourself and your team. Joining us were local experts from Vero Advising, Cooper Family Dentistry, Neighbors Med, and The Medi Community Resource Center.

• Sho Richek Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor is another LLF member with a corporate program offering and workshops to help you support your employees' wellbeing. Learn more.

• There are several other LLF members in the health and wellness industry who can provide meaningful care and support to you and your people. Explore those locals here and always feel free to reach out to our team for a direct connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Medical Cost Sharing the same as insurance? No. It is a membership-based community. While it is often 30–50% less expensive than insurance, it does not use a provider network and members are considered "cash-pay" patients. It’s an excellent fit when paired with a DPC membership.
• Can I offer DPC to my employees if I don't provide a full insurance plan? Absolutely. Many local solopreneurs and small shops provide memberships to Neighbors Med or Holy City Med as a standalone benefit. It ensures your team has a doctor to call for $80–$150 a month, preventing small health issues from becoming major work disruptions.
• What is the "catch" with alternative models? The main difference is responsibility. In a traditional plan, the insurance company dictates the "where" and "how much." In these alternatives, the employer and employee have more control and transparency, but it requires a bit more education, which is exactly where local partners like those listed above come in.

Special thanks to Catherine of Vero Advising and Austen Williams of The Medi for providing our team with expert guidance with these resources: