STAT+: For a Georgia entrepreneur, health coverage has never been affordable

STAT PlusOut of Pocket, Out of Reach For a Georgia entrepreneur, health coverage has never been affordable Solo business owners like Amy Bielawski have to fend for themselves By Bob HermanJuly 7, 2026 Herman is speaking with dozens of business owners and workers across America to understand the impact of out-of-control health care costs for STAT’s Out of Pocket, Out of Reach series. Bob Herman[email protected]Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article Amy Bielawski has gone most of her life without health insurance. For 32 years, the 61-year-old has run her own entertainment company in Tucker, Ga. — setting up bounce houses, petting zoos, stilt walkers, and other attractions for family and corporate events. For several years, she did two of her specialties, face painting and balloon sculpting, for kids before Atlanta Hawks home games. Advertisement One morning this past spring, Bielawski delivered a singing telegram to a woman getting off the graveyard shift at a Waffle House. Dressed as a chicken in a bikini, she sang a medley of songs that included The Beatles and Stevie Wonder, before ending with a birthday twerk. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In health care costs, Health insurance, patients, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Bob Herman Business of Health Care Reporter Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Recommended Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: America’s small businesses are giving up on health insurance Out of Pocket, Out of Reach July 7, 2026 5 takeaways from STAT’s series on the soaring cost of health insurance Advertisement A STAT Examination May 26, 2026 STAT Plus: How Kyle Diamantas defied expectations as he rose to lead the FDA Exclusive May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Bill Cassidy risked his legacy. It may not be enough to save his career A STAT Examination May 7, 2026 STAT Plus: What was lost at the FDA Subscriber Picks