Michalek Health Solutions

Michalek Health Solutions: independent health insurance brokerage in Tampa Bay

Michalek Health Solutions is an independent health insurance brokerage based in Tampa Bay, Florida, licensed in 31 states. Led by Ryan Michalek, a licensed agent with NPN 21043091, the firm specializes in private coverage for people under 65 who buy their own insurance: self-employed individuals, 1099 contractors, freelancers, small business owners, early retirees, and families who need coverage between plans.

The service is free to the client, as the insurance carriers pay the broker. The firm presents itself as an alternative to large call centers, offering direct, personal attention from a single licensed agent who manages the entire process, from plan comparison to enrollment and ongoing support.

Client profile and situations covered

The practice is geared toward those who buy their coverage on their own rather than getting it through a job. Clients include 1099 contractors, freelancers, gig workers, realtors, salon and shop owners, farmers and ranchers, mechanics, truck drivers, consultants, pastors and clergy, small business owners, early retirees, families who have lost COBRA, and anyone who has been priced out of subsidies.

The firm also serves small businesses looking for benefits for their teams without the costs of a traditional corporate plan. The stated approach is to build long-term advisory relationships, not one-time transactions.

Products and coverage options

The service catalog includes private coverage for under-65 individuals, plans for self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors, insurance for families and individuals, small business benefits, term life insurance, dental and vision coverage, COBRA alternatives, and plans before Medicare age.

The firm works with multiple insurance carriers and compares plans from different providers. Among the advantages it highlights of private plans are PPO-style flexibility to keep your own doctors and avoid referrals, the ability to apply for coverage at any time of year—without waiting for open enrollment—and the potential tax deduction of premiums for self-employed workers, an aspect the agent notes should be discussed with a tax specialist.

Types of plans explained

The site offers a plain-language guide to the four main types of health plans and their trade-offs:

• PPO: maximum flexibility, no need for a primary care physician or referrals for specialists, out-of-network coverage, and broad or nationwide networks; typically higher premiums. This is the option the firm notes as most common among self-employed individuals and families who want freedom of choice.
• HMO: lower cost, requires a primary care physician and referrals for specialists, no out-of-network coverage except emergencies; narrow, local network.
• EPO: middle-ground option, no primary care physician or referrals required, but no out-of-network coverage except emergencies; moderate network and low to medium premiums.
• POS: hybrid flexibility, requires a primary care physician and referrals, with some out-of-network coverage; moderate network and medium premiums.

The firm notes that the choice depends on each situation and that this conversation takes place before the client commits to any plan.

How it works

The method is described in three steps. First, the client explains their situation via a call or a form: what they need to cover, their budget, and the doctors they want to keep. Second, the agent compares plans from multiple insurance carriers and translates the fine print into understandable language. Third, the agent handles enrollment and remains available afterward, for when personal or family circumstances change.

The firm emphasizes direct attention: a single licensed agent handles the entire process, with no hold music or call centers. The site states that the agent responds to calls and messages within minutes, according to client reviews, and does not make unsolicited automated calls.

Background and credentials

Ryan Michalek became licensed in 2024, moved from Chicago to Tampa Bay, and built the practice one conversation at a time. The firm reports serving hundreds of clients across 31 states. It holds BBB accreditation and is a member of NABIP and the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The site underscores the broker's independence as a guarantee that he can recommend or rule out plans without being tied to a single company. The firm presents itself as an option for those seeking a trusted long-term advisor, rather than a one-time transaction.

Open enrollment considerations

The site notes that the open enrollment period for 2027 begins on November 1. For that year, it indicates that premiums are changing and the enhanced subsidies have expired, so auto-renewing without reviewing could cost more than necessary. The firm suggests comparing options early to avoid the December rush.

Location and contact

Phone: (813) 833-7448 · Email: ryan@michalekhealthsolutions.com