Bob Murphy Show Ep. 457 Matt Ohrt On How He Saved His Company Millions in Health Care Expenses
9 snips
Oct 30, 2025 Matt Ohrt, Executive Director of the Free Market Medical Association and author of 'Save Your Company, Don't Feed the Beast,' reveals innovative strategies for cutting healthcare costs. He shares his journey transforming Merrill Steel's health plan through self-funding and direct care. Ohrt discusses how these models foster local clinic growth and improves employee retention. He explains the challenges posed by the healthcare industrial complex and offers practical strategies for employers seeking affordable healthcare alternatives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Outsourcing Surgeries Saved Millions
- Merrill Steel sent employees to the Surgery Center of Oklahoma for hip replacements and covered travel plus a $2,500 payment.
- The plan saved tens of thousands per surgery and improved outcomes while keeping premiums low.
On-Site Care Laid The Groundwork
- Merrill Steel built on-site services (DPC, MRI, PT, chiropractic) before referring specialty surgeries out-of-state.
- That incremental build reduced claim costs and sparked a broader local direct-care movement.
Self-Fund Then Design Spending
- Self-funding your health plan creates flexibility but you must redesign how you spend the money.
- Build a medical strategy to enable price shopping and avoid paying inflated provider rates.
