You're Not Imagining It. The System Was Built to Frustrate You.
If you've ever sat across from a doctor's bill and wondered where your $400-a-month premium went — you're not alone. Millions of Americans pay faithfully into a health insurance system that rewards the insurance company far more than it rewards them.
The deductible is so high you can't afford to use the plan. Your preferred doctor is "out of network." You need a referral just to see a specialist. And every year, the premiums climb while the coverage quietly shrinks.
🚨 Sound Familiar?
"I pay over $500 a month and still can't afford to go to the doctor." If this is you — there is a better option. And most insurance agents will never tell you about it, because they don't sell it.
- You skip doctor visits because your deductible means you're paying out of pocket anyway
- Your premium keeps climbing while your actual coverage gets worse
- You needed a specialist but couldn't get a referral in time
- You got a surprise bill for something you thought was covered
- You're self-employed and the ACA plans in your area are genuinely unaffordable
Traditional major medical insurance is one option. But it's not your only option — and for many people, it's not even the best one.
A PPO Plan Means You're in Charge — Not the Insurance Company.
Most people have only ever had employer-sponsored insurance — where the employer picks the network, the deductible, and the rules. When they go to buy their own coverage, they assume those same rules apply everywhere. They don't.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan and an indemnity-based plan both allow you to see any licensed provider — no referrals, no network, no gatekeeping. The plan pays a set benefit toward your care, and you use it where you want, when you want.
| Traditional HMO/ACA Plan | PPO / Indemnity Plan |
|---|---|
| Must stay "in-network" | See ANY licensed provider |
| Need a referral for specialists | No referrals required |
| High deductibles before coverage kicks in | Benefits pay from day one of care |
| Premiums rise every year | More predictable, controlled costs |
| Prior authorizations for procedures | You decide your care — not the insurer |
Plans That Put You Back in Control
We're independent brokers — which means we shop across carriers to find what actually fits. These plans are often 50% less per month than comparable Marketplace coverage, and they include telemedicine at no additional cost.
🛡️ Core Coverage
Solid indemnity PPO with freedom to see any doctor — no network, no referrals.
- See any licensed physician, specialist, or hospital — nationwide
- Defined daily benefits for hospital confinement
- Surgical, physician visit, and diagnostic coverage
- Telemedicine included — 24/7 at no extra cost
- Premiums often 50% less than Marketplace
Ideal for: self-employed, early retirees, freelancers, frequent travelers
⭐ Enhanced Coverage
Richer benefits with the same freedom — for those who don't want to downgrade from employer coverage.
- Higher daily hospital benefit schedule
- Enhanced surgical and physician coverage
- No prior authorization requirements
- Telemedicine included — no extra cost
- See any doctor, anywhere in the U.S.
Ideal for: families, small business owners, ongoing medical needs
💰 Budget-Friendly
Real, usable coverage without the sticker shock of traditional insurance.
- One of the most budget-friendly indemnity options
- Covers hospital, surgical, and outpatient visits
- No network restrictions — see any doctor in the U.S.
- Telemedicine included — 24/7 access
- Simple, transparent benefit structure
Ideal for: budget-conscious individuals, basic but usable coverage
Getting Better Coverage Is Easier Than You Think.
Tell Us About You
Fill out our short form or give Kate a call. We'll ask about your health situation, budget, doctors, and what's been frustrating you. Takes about 10 minutes.
We Find Your Best Options
Kate personally reviews the indemnity PPO plans available to you and builds a clear, side-by-side comparison. No fluff, no upselling, just the honest picture.
You Decide, We Handle the Rest
You choose the plan that fits. We handle the paperwork, the enrollment, and stay with you through our MereCare program year-round.
Hi, I'm Kate Spilsbury — and I Left Corporate Insurance for a Reason.
I'm a fourth-generation Floridian and the founder of Mere Benefits, based right here in Jacksonville. I've been licensed in insurance since 2007 — but I spent my first 8+ years inside the corporate insurance world. I watched how the system worked from the inside. And I didn't love what I saw.
So I left. I built my own independent agency with one commitment: I'll always tell my clients the truth about their options, even when that means steering them away from a traditional plan.
I'm a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® and Registered Social Security Analyst® — two advanced designations that let me look at your coverage and your financial future together, not in isolation. I also spent two years running a non-profit, which is where my real passion for serving people took root.
I'm a wife, mom of two, Sunday School teacher, and proud Jacksonville local. When you reach out to Mere, you get a real person who genuinely cares — not a call center.
"Clear Guidance. Right Coverage. No Confusion. That's the Mere promise — and I've built my entire business around it."
— Kate Spilsbury, Founder, Mere BenefitsReal People Who Found Coverage That Actually Works.
"Kate goes above and beyond to find the plan that best fits your needs. She explained what we needed and got back to us in just a few days. Give Mere a call — you won't be disappointed!"
— Google Reviewer
Health Insurance Client
"Kate is someone I can trust to find the best answers to my issues. Her business meets an important need in our community. I finally feel like someone is on my side."
— Google Reviewer
Medicare Client
"Kate was beyond helpful and very informative — exactly the type of agent you need for healthcare. My sister gave her a glowing review and I'm sending everyone her way."
— Kylee L.
Referral Client
"Kate's team was so patient and helpful. I finally understand my insurance options! I was overwhelmed trying to find health insurance — now I feel taken care of."
— D. Allen
ACA Marketplace Client
"I knew nothing about Medicare plans. Kate explained everything very well. I left feeling confident I made the right choice. The people at Mere were genuinely great!"
— Dan W.
Medicare Client
"Kate is extremely knowledgeable about all types of health insurance and tailors her recommendations to your specific needs. Her bubbly personality is a definite bonus!"
— Google Reviewer
Health Insurance Client
Everything You've Wanted to Know About PPO & Indemnity Plans.
An indemnity plan pays a defined dollar benefit when you receive covered medical services — regardless of which doctor or facility you choose. Unlike traditional HMO or PPO network plans, there are no "in-network" requirements. You go where you want, receive care, and the plan pays its scheduled benefit toward your bill.
Yes. The indemnity PPO plans we offer are not network-based. You can see any licensed physician, specialist, or use any licensed hospital in the United States. No referrals, no prior authorizations, no permission slips.
For many clients — especially self-employed individuals, those who don't qualify for ACA subsidies, or those in the 35–64 age range — indemnity PPO plans are often 50% less per month than comparable Marketplace coverage. The trade-off is that they have defined benefit schedules rather than covering a percentage of all charges.
No. Health-sharing ministries like Medi-Share are member-sharing programs, not insurance. The indemnity PPO plans we offer are licensed insurance products regulated by your state's Department of Insurance.
Indemnity plans may have waiting periods or limitations on pre-existing conditions depending on the plan and state. This is one of the most important factors we discuss during your free consultation — we'll be honest about what each plan covers.
That's one of the biggest advantages. Because there is no network, your current doctor is almost certainly covered — as long as they are a licensed provider, the plan will pay the defined benefit for your visit.
Yes. Mere Benefits can bundle dental and vision coverage with your health plan. We offer affordable standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans that work alongside any health coverage.
As an independent agency, we are not captive to any single carrier. We represent multiple companies and can objectively compare your options. Our service costs you nothing extra; we're compensated by the carriers.
MereCare is Mere Benefits' year-round client support program. After enrollment, our team helps you understand your benefits, read your EOBs, navigate billing questions, and make sure your coverage is actually working for you.
Fill out the short form on this page or call Kate directly at (904) 654-5450. The consultation is free, there's no obligation, and you'll walk away with a clear picture of your options.
Let's Find Your Best Option — Free.
Fill out the short form below and Kate's team will reach out — no pressure, no obligation, just honest guidance.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health Coverage?
You don't have to figure this out alone. Get honest guidance from a team that puts you first.
Call Kate — (904) 654-5450