By: John Hsieh
Published: July 29th, 2025
I had the chance to join the Healthcare Americana podcast and talk about something Shannon Biergans and I are really excited about: the launch of the FMMA Michigan chapter.
In April, Shannon Biergans, founder of Advocate, and I were approved to launch a new chapter of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA) here in Michigan. We are excited to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including Direct Primary Care, Direct Specialty Care, insurance brokers, employers, and advocacy groups to accelerate the movement toward a truly free healthcare market.
We started this chapter because there are many organizations in Michigan moving toward transparent, cash-based healthcare solutions. However, most of these efforts are happening in silos. Our goal is to bring these stakeholders together to create a system where employers and individuals can more easily access high-quality care at more affordable prices.
The Free Market Medical Association (FMMA) is a national organization that brings together healthcare buyers and sellers who believe in restoring value to healthcare through price transparency, direct contracting, and patient-centered innovation. Founded in 2014 by Jay Kempton and Dr. Keith Smith, the FMMA supports providers, employers, and benefit advisors who want to create a more affordable and accessible system. The goal is to treat healthcare like any other marketplace, with clear pricing, accountability, and choice. Members of the FMMA work to unify what they call “islands of excellence” across the country and build a healthcare ecosystem that is transparent, sustainable, and rooted in trust.
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John Hsieh is the Director of Growth at SALTA Direct Primary Care and the Michigan Chapter Lead for the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA). He is passionate about transforming healthcare through patient-centered models like DPC and works closely with employers, brokers, and clinicians to drive cost-effective, high-quality care.
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