The American healthcare crisis of 2025 is deepening, and nowhere is this pressure felt more acutely than among small businesses. According to new data publicized by $OSCR (-1,8 %) , 51% of small companies experienced a surge of at least 10% in their health insurance costs this year. The average annual premium for a family health plan has now hit $27,000—a 6% increase from 2024—far outpacing both general inflation and wage growth. These rising costs are not just numbers in reports, but hard facts transforming business decisions, workforce planning, and the stability of entire communities.

This escalation in expenses is forcing many small employers to rethink their role as providers of health benefits. While larger corporations can negotiate favorable rates and absorb price spikes more effectively, the majority of small businesses lack this leverage. Today, only 54% of small employers offer health insurance—a sharp decline from 62% in 2020, according to Oscar’s analysis of industry data. In stark contrast, 91% of larger businesses with more than 50 workers still provide health coverage, highlighting the growing disparity in benefits and access to care across the labor market.

Employees feel the effects as well. The costs assumed by employers often translate into higher paycheck deductions or reduced benefit quality, especially when premium surges are this dramatic. For 2025, the typical employee contribution toward health care expenses (including premiums, deductibles, and co-pays) is projected to exceed $5,000 for the first time ever—a sum equivalent to several months’ worth of groceries for the average household. The result: More working Americans are underinsured or forced to go without basic coverage, and a greater share of their take-home pay is devoted to health costs instead of genuine security.

For those businesses that still manage to offer coverage, the financial landscape is daunting. According to Oscar’s recent data, U.S. employers pay upwards of $9,300 per year per worker for employer-based coverage, compared to $14,600 for Medicare, $8,500 for Medicaid, and $7,400 for coverage under the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. For smaller companies, where profit margins are already thin, these high fixed costs have a cascading effect: staff reductions, frozen hiring, and the inability to attract or retain skilled workers are now common outcomes.

The drivers of this crisis are complex and far-reaching. The U.S. faces ever-higher costs for new medical technologies and specialty drugs, growing demand for care (especially for chronic diseases), and a shrinking pool of affordable group insurance options. Industry reports underscore that insurer and provider consolidation means fewer plan choices for small employers, and some national carriers—including the Cigna + Oscar co-branded partnership—have exited the small group market altogether to focus on the individual market. These dynamics further erode the bargaining power of small businesses and limit their ability to control expenses.

Oscar Health’s communications highlight how unsustainable this trajectory has become, both for business owners and their staff. Solutions are emerging—such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), digital platforms, and tailored use of artificial intelligence—but these remain out of reach for many, or are not yet mature enough to solve the issue at scale. The sector’s continued pain is evident in the company’s own financial reporting: Oscar posted a loss of $228 million in Q2 2025, with dramatically rising claims and an MLR (Medical Loss Ratio) eclipsing 86% for the year. These data points illuminate the gravity of the crisis and why so many businesses are evaluating whether they can continue providing health insurance at all.

Ultimately, the surge in healthcare costs, as quantified and explained by Oscar Health, is more than a financial burden—it’s a threat to competitiveness, social stability, and social mobility across America. If the current trends persist, even fewer small companies will be able to offer insurance, exacerbating inequality and potentially undermining economic progress. Finding viable, affordable, and scalable solutions is a challenge that will define the future of American business and the health of its workforce.

$OSCR (-1,8 %) a leading healthcare technology company, announced in October 2025 a remarkable range of new products and services set to transform how Americans approach health insurance and care. Focusing on artificial intelligence, personalization, and geographic expansion, the company aims to serve more than 2 million members across the country.

Oswell: The Personal AI Assistant

One of the most innovative announcements was Oswell, an AI-powered assistant developed in partnership with OpenAI. Oswell provides 24/7 support for understanding medications, explaining test results, checking drug interactions, assisting with prescription refills, symptom assessment, and preparing questions for doctors. This integration positions Oscar at the forefront of embedding advanced technology into everyday healthcare management.

HelloMeno: The First Menopause-Focused Health Plan

In collaboration with Elektra Health, Oscar launched HelloMeno, the first-ever health insurance plan focused on menopause within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Targeting an estimated 2.3 million women aged 45 and older, HelloMeno offers valuable benefits such as $0 visits for primary care, gynecology, and behavioral health; no-cost labs and hormone therapy; insomnia medication; and bone density scans. Members can also earn rewards for preventive screenings and have round-the-clock access to Elektra Health specialists, addressing a previously unmet health need for women.

Geographic Expansion and New Health Programs

Oscar Health is expanding in 2026 to 573 counties across 20 states, including new markets in Alabama and Mississippi. Additionally, the company is launching specialized programs to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. The Hola Oscar program for Spanish-speaking members is growing rapidly, boasting an industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87. This program now serves nearly one-third of Oscar’s members.

Oscar Unlocks: Rewards for Healthy Choices

Oscar introduced Oscar Unlocks, a digital rewards program encouraging members to adopt healthy behaviors and choose digital services. Participants gain VIP access to care teams and additional benefits, fostering proactive health management and engagement.

Partnership with Hy-Vee: A New Era in Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

Oscar’s partnership with the retail chain Hy-Vee has launched the Hy-Vee Health with Oscar plan in Des Moines, Iowa. This innovative employer-sponsored insurance offers free clinic visits at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care locations, savings of 20-30% for employers, and $500-$1,000 annual savings for employees. It includes access to lab services, urgent care, discounted prescriptions, and specialty care through MercyOne providers. The program targets 400,000 employees with plans to expand throughout the Midwest.

Next Steps and Member Satisfaction

The open enrollment period for these new products begins November 1, 2025, with coverage effective January 1, 2026. Over 60% of Oscar’s members recommend the company to family and friends, reflecting strong satisfaction with its innovative approach and personalized service.

Sources:

https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/oscar-health-expands-to-20-states-introduces-ai-agent-for-2026-93CH-4296391

https://aithority.com/machine-learning/oscar-unveils-new-choices-and-ai-tools-shaping-the-future-of-individual-healthcare-for-more-americans-and-businesses/

https://www.edgen.tech/news/stock/oscar-health-introduces-new-specialized-plans-and-ai-capabilities-amidst-strategic-expansion

https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20251020ny01248/elektra-health-and-oscar-launch-hellomeno-the-first-ever-menopause-health-plan-in-the-individual-market

https://www.hioscar.com/press/oscar-oe-release-2025

https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/oscar-partners-with-grocer-hy-vee-on-joint-health-plan/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2025/08/14/hy-vee-grocer-and-oscar-health-launch-employer-health-plan/

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/oscar-health-unveils-aca-expansion-plans-2025

$OSCR (-1,8 %) continues to attract attention from market watchers as it pursues growth through technology innovation, financial restructuring, and market diversification. The healthcare technology company, known for its data-driven insurance models and digital-first approach, has navigated a complex landscape in 2025 with both progress and lingering challenges.

Strong Revenue Momentum

Oscar Health posted exceptional revenue growth throughout 2025, marking a year in which it reaffirmed its position as one of the rising players in the insurtech and healthtech markets. Its revenue in the first half of the year surged by over 40% year-over-year, surpassing 3 billion USD in the first quarter alone. Analysts estimate third-quarter revenue to reach roughly 3.08 billion USD, reflecting an annual growth of about 27%. This performance underscores the company’s ability to grow its membership base, which now exceeds 2 million, while expanding its presence across individual and small group segments.

Updated 2025 Guidance and Financial Outlook

In July 2025, Oscar Health revised its full-year guidance, setting revenue expectations between 12 and 12.2 billion USD. However, it also projected operating losses between 200 and 300 million USD due to higher-than-anticipated medical claims and morbidity across Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The company raised its medical loss ratio forecast to 86–87%, indicating higher medical expenses relative to premium income. Despite these pressures, its liquidity remains robust, with more than 740 million USD in free cash flow providing flexibility for operations and investment.

Strategic Initiatives and AI Investment

Oscar Health’s most transformative moves this year revolve around artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships. The firm announced a 410 million USD convertible debt issuance to finance new AI-driven initiatives focused on claims automation, predictive analytics, and personalized member engagement. These systems are expected to streamline costs, improve accuracy in health risk management, and enhance overall member experience.

A key development is Oscar’s partnership with Hy-Vee, a major U.S. retailer, to launch an employer-sponsored health plan in 2026. This marks Oscar’s expansion beyond its traditional ACA market base into employer health coverage—a significant step toward business model diversification. By broadening its reach, the company aims to mitigate regulatory and claim-cost risks while unlocking new revenue streams.

Market Sentiment and Investment Risks

Analyst sentiment about Oscar Health remains cautious despite its growth trajectory. Current consensus classifies the stock as a “hold,” with an average target price of about 11.7 USD, implying a potential downside from its recent price near 19 USD. Investors are advised to weigh the company’s impressive revenue growth and stable liquidity against its ongoing profitability hurdles, driven by rising healthcare costs and market uncertainty.

From a technical standpoint, Oscar Health’s stock trades above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, reflecting medium-term strength. However, its earnings per share remain negative (around -0.50 projected for Q3), and its return on equity stands at roughly -14%, emphasizing its current unprofitability.

Outlook

Oscar Health’s strategic emphasis on technology integration, especially artificial intelligence, positions it well for long-term competitiveness in a sector increasingly defined by digital innovation. While short-term profitability remains elusive, the company’s sustained revenue expansion, disciplined cost management, and expansion into new markets strengthen its long-term growth potential. Investors aligned with a technology-forward vision for healthcare may find Oscar Health a compelling, if volatile, opportunity in the evolving U.S. health insurance landscape.

Where Rationality Ends and Curiosity Begins

Most of my holdings are stable, compounding mid-to-large caps with impressive moats and solid valuations — offering a strong risk/reward opportunity. However, around 5% of my portfolio is designated for the crazy stuff — the ones that wouldn’t reliably qualify for the core portfolio. Usually, I hold around three companies in this category. Today, I sold one and bought another. In my main portfolio, I don’t want to switch around too much unless positions hit my price targets, but these 5% have more leeway. Still, don’t get the impression that I’m not thinking through the stocks I’m betting on. They go through rigorous analysis before I invest, but I wouldn’t be comfortable making them proper positions (yet). It’s for companies I find intriguing, like faraway disruptors or innovative space players. But exactly for that reason, the 5% are a hard cap. Even if one of these bets tripled and I sold, I would limit it back to 5%, because bets can crash as fast as they explode.

Insurance disruptor Oscar had to leave for The Real Brokerage today, after a nearly 50% gain and the intriguing opportunity I see in REAX. The broker is asset-light, on the verge of profitability, dirt-cheap (EV/Revenue around 0.4), and growing explosively. Obviously, margins are thin for a cloud real estate broker only taking a small cut of commissions, but the network is massive with over 30,000 agents across the U.S. And quite frankly, if the company continues to grow revenues at mid double-digit rates, then margins don’t need to be phenomenal. Furthermore, the company predicts a weaker Q3 compared to Q1 and Q2 — however, in 2023 and 2024, it was the other way around, so let’s see if we’re in for a little surprise.

This part of my portfolio is not only about returns but also about engaging with exciting new disruptors and industries. At the moment, I’m looking into all kinds of drone companies because I love the business and see future upside, especially with growing demand for unmanned and cheap alternatives amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Another company I’m “investigating” right now is QXO. Its low valuation (EV/Revenue below 2) and visionary, constantly-winning CEO Brad Jacobs are impressive. But as I said, I’m not rushing into everything — analysis is still a vital part of this “bet section.”

And while this post is all about my long-shots, don’t think I’ve been completely inactive with the remaining 95%. There’s been a bit of shuffling, a couple of trims and adds — the kind of quiet portfolio housekeeping that doesn’t make headlines but keeps things efficient. I’ll go into more detail on that soon, but let’s just say October didn’t start slow.

Fast forward 6 months, the portfolio’s up heavy. Regret selling $TLNE and $ONDS (+0,94 %) early (especially $ONDS (+0,94 %) from 2 → 11 in 4 months). $BITF (-0,67 %) helped offset some of that.

Core remains long-term, but I’ve carved out a small short-term sleeve in $BMNR (+1,35 %) , $SBET (+0,85 %) , $JD (+1,01 %) and $OSCR (-1,8 %) .

Plan: take profits by year-end and rotate back into core themes ( AI, Nuclear, Space, Quantum, and Robotics) as i have too many positions right now even after selling some

Bull Market Stock Portfolio Management.

Screenshot day.

$RKLB (+0,45 %)
$NBIS (+0,95 %)
$HIMS (+0,6 %)
$OSCR (-1,8 %)
$SOFI (+0,37 %)
$AMD (+1,25 %)
$DLO
$TMDX (+0,49 %)
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$GOOGL (+0,76 %)
$ISP (+0,71 %)
$UNH (-0,41 %)
$OPEN (+0,44 %)

China is pumping $BIDU (+1,47 %)
$BABA (+2,25 %)
$JD (+1,01 %)

Cripto, waiting for altcoin season

$AVAX (-0,22 %)
$BTC (-0,08 %)
$ETH (+0,35 %)
$SOL (-0,17 %)
$RENDER (-0,86 %)
$KAS (+1,14 %)

JD Vance says he’s open to talks with Schumer & Senate Democrats on ACA premium subsidies, but only after the government reopens.

👉 This points to a partial extension — bullish short-term for $OSCR (-1,8 %) .