SimplyHRA vs Thatch: Best ICHRA Platforms 2026

SimplyHRA and Thatch lead the ICHRA space in terms of innovation and AI.

As more businesses shift from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to healthcare, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) swept in to offer a flexible alternative. It enabled employers to set predictable reimbursement budgets while granting employees the ability to pick their own insurance and healthcare services.

But before you can reap any of the benefits of ICHRA, you need to pick the right platform.

Let's start with a quick comparison:

SimplyHRA vs Thatch: Quick Comparison

Comparing SimplyHRA vs Thatch

Below is a brief introduction of SimplyHRA and Thatch — along with their pros and cons:

SimplyHRA

SimplyHRA is as lean as you can get if you're looking for a platform for all your ICHRA needs.

It is a lightweight ICHRA management platform designed to make every aspect of ICHRA management doable, even with a DIY-first approach. You also get workflow tools that streamline tasks like reimbursement processing, payroll deductions, and employee onboarding.

SimplyHRA Pros

• Fixed pricing model with no surprises
• Mobile-first design allows employers and employees to manage their ICHRA anywhere
• Versatile AI assistant for anything from status updates to feature guidance
• Payroll and HRIS integrations (e.g., ADP, BambooHR, and Okta)
• Easy and intuitive setup experience

SimplyHRA Cons

• ICHRA only
• While support is excellent, SimplyHRA is designed to encourage self-service operation

Thatch

Thatch is also designed as a one-stop ICHRA management platform with a heavy emphasis on tech-forwardness. In addition to AI-powered features and automation tools, Thatch also offers a robust set of APIs for companies looking to embed HRA management into their own platforms.

Thatch Pros

• Marketplace shopping assistance by Thatch partners
• Direct carrier integrations
• AI-driven reporting and app support
• Thatch API for companies looking for deeper customization
• Wider partnership with carriers and healthcare service providers

Thatch Cons

• Significantly more expensive than SimplyHRA
• ICHRA only

1. ICHRA Setup Process

The smoother the setup process, the more efficient and fruitful your ICHRA plan year will be.

SimplyHRA

Setting up your ICHRA plan with SimplyHRA is best done after a private consultation. However, the intuitive, clutter-free design ensures you can get your ICHRA plan up and running in no time with little to no assistance.

Just enter your business details, and you can start creating employee classes and setting reimbursement allowances within minutes.

For employees, getting started with ICHRA is just as easy.

The SimplyHRA interface breaks down the process into single-page steps, unlike other benefits platforms that overload pages with information.

Thatch

Setting up Thatch is a whole lot easier if your organization uses RUN Powered by ADP. It lives as a native integration that can be accessed and run from within the payroll platform.

But, for most users, Thatch organizes a setup to-do list on the main dashboard. This includes connecting your bank account, onboarding employees, authorizing bank ACH codes, and understanding your obligations as an employer.

Immediately, the similarities between SimplyHRA and Thatch in terms of the ICHRA management experience become apparent.

Not only is the setup process expedited, the interface itself is also designed in a way that takes away the need for a lengthy tutorial.

2. Ease of Use & Support

Ease of use and support go hand in hand.

While a well-designed interface helps get things done ASAP, excellent support fills in the gaps — ensuring both employers and employees get the most out of the platform.

SimplyHRA

Every section of the SimplyHRA app follows the same principle of user-friendly, mobile-first, and distraction-free design.

The main menu keeps important features and configuration pages within 2-3 clicks of each other. Each tool is grounded in simplified workflows that ensure tasks are done as quickly as possible, from setting reimbursement amounts for an employee class to onboarding a new employee.

To further smooth the learning curve, both employers and employees can rely on the built-in AI chatbot to answer their questions and provide step-by-step assistance. This feature is available 24/7, preventing any bottlenecks in your ICHRA implementation timeline.

Thatch

Thatch also abides by modern UI design standards — keeping the experience as clean and user-friendly as possible with streamlined design.

Navigating the platform is easy and can be done through the centralized menu. But what makes Thatch stand out is the built-in resource library, which has everything you need to know for a successful ICHRA plan.

3. Pricing

Pricing is another significant factor that businesses use when choosing an ICHRA platform.

After all, most organizations transition to ICHRA to address concerns around the rising cost of insurance premiums.

SimplyHRA

SimplyHRA uses a flat and transparent pricing model that only charges a per-employee monthly fee.

There are no fees for setup, compliance management, or monthly account upkeep. Just pay $29 for each employee you'll have in your plan, and you're good to go.

Thatch

Unlike SimplyHRA, Thatch's pricing structure is a tad more nuanced.

For starters, its monthly, per-employee fee sits at $45. In addition, you need to cover a $50 monthly compliance fee — unlocking all the essential features Thatch has to offer.

However, Thatch utilizes custom, quote-based pricing for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) with 50+ employees. On the flip side, this comes with ACA compliance management, white-glove implementation assistance, and a dedicated client success manager.

4. Compliance, Analytics, & Document Management

As modern HRA platforms, both SimplyHRA and Thatch are built for data-conscious employers and plan managers who understand the value of analytics. They also make compliance easy through the automated generation of essential compliance documents and all the legwork involved.

SimplyHRA

SimplyHRA prioritizes data visibility and the availability of audit-ready reports.

Every important section of the platform, be it your list of employees or even the main dashboard, contains useful datasets that can sharpen decision-making. You can track employee plan costs, monthly plan utilization, the amount of pending reimbursements, and more.

In terms of compliance, all the necessary documents will be generated automatically once you submit your company details. These documents are always accessible for review in the consolidated document management page.

Thatch

For compliance, Thatch also does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on running your business.

Compliance-related reporting requirements, like ACA reporting, may also be handled by a partner vendor as an added service. Otherwise, you may need to rely on your third-party tax or payroll service provider.

The good news is, every inch of the Thatch platform also includes useful analytics to help refine your ICHRA plan over time. Some of the metrics included are enrollment rate, plan costs, deductions, and more.

Thatch also features a consolidated document management section, which safely houses your ICHRA plan documents. In addition, you can upload more documents from your local device to create a true, single source of truth for everything healthcare.

5. Reimbursement Workflow & Automations

Modern ICHRA platforms utilize automation tools and services to prevent time-consuming reimbursement reviews from bottlenecking your ICHRA.

SimplyHRA

The first step in the ICHRA reimbursement process is the designation of reimbursement allowance models.

With SimplyHRA, this is one of the first things you can do upon setup. You may also edit reimbursements for new employee classes anytime via your dashboard.

Employees may use the SimplyHRA bank account or virtual card to enable automated premium payments. These can be set up, ordered, and managed directly from the dashboard.

Thatch

Thatch also automates transactions to keep your ICHRA plan flowing, but in a slightly different way.

For starters, it completely automates payroll deductions from day one. Employers or plan administrators can then specify their pay schedules directly through Thatch for more accurate deductions.

Thatch also automates time-consuming processes by default, like eligibility tracking. And through integration with ADP RUN, employers only need to do minimal setup to get Thatch automation workflows running.

6. Miscellaneous Features

Choosing an ICHRA platform can be tough. But sometimes, all it takes is a single tool or "extra feature" for you to make a decision.

SimplyHRA

• DIY Plan Management for Quick Changes — Instead of submitting a ticket and waiting for assistance, SimplyHRA allows employers to manage settings and plan features like employee classes directly.
• Mobile Advantage — Thanks to the SimplyHRA mobile app, employees can easily snap a photo of their medical bill or receipt and submit a claim in one workflow.
• Payroll and HRIS Integrations — Simplify payroll deductions using turnkey integrations with platforms like ADP, Gusto, Okta, and Plane.

Thatch

• Thatch Marketplace — In addition to healthcare providers, Thatch also partners with companies like Oura, Prenuvo, and Function to unlock member-exclusive pricing.
• Quickstart Resource Library — To get your ICHRA plan off the ground, the Thatch platform includes access to a range of resources, including in-depth guides, templates, and presentations.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Compatibility — Thatch is not only compatible with HSAs, it also makes it easier for employees to invest in HSAs through shopping tools and filters.

SimplyHRA vs Thatch: Verdict

There's no denying that both SimplyHRA and Thatch come with unique strengths tailored to different businesses.

Thatch features great cost-efficiency, especially for larger employers and companies that use ADP RUN. It's also a solid choice for employers looking to take advantage of partnerships with services like Grow Therapy, Hims & Hers Health, and Sesame.

But if you're after an ICHRA-focused, lean, and cost-effective platform that keeps you in total control, SimplyHRA is the top choice.

Its core model revolves around intuitive, DIY processes with just the right amount of agent support to help kickstart your ICHRA plan. And with the cross-platform design, it makes ICHRA management substantially more convenient for both employees and plan administrators.

To learn more about SimplyHRA's features and how it streamlines employee healthcare, book a private consultation here.