By a Tech Blogger — Career Feature
John Theodore Zabasky didn’t plan to become a healthcare disruptor. But after a baseball injury rerouted his life, he found himself solving one of the biggest challenges for working Americans: access to affordable healthcare.
“I wanted to fix a real problem,” he said. “Too many people work hard but can’t get the care they need.”
Early Roots in Maryland
Zabasky grew up in Burtonsville, Maryland, in a home shaped by tradition and service. His father and grandfather were firefighters in Washington, D.C., while his mother and grandmother managed the household full-time. His early years were marked by two things: a love for sports and a passion for history.
“I was really into baseball,” he said. “I thought it would be my future.”
That dream ended with a serious injury. But instead of giving up, he pivoted. He pursued academics, supported by his great-aunt who introduced him to history books and the joy of reading.
Degrees with Direction
Zabasky’s academic journey is stacked. He holds a BA and MA in History from UMBC, an MBA from Pepperdine, and a PhD in Information Systems from Concordia. He’s also currently working toward a second PhD in Health Sciences at Liberty University.
“Education opens doors,” he said. “It helped me ask better questions and look at systems differently.”
Building WorXsiteHR from the Ground Up
In 2013, Zabasky launched WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions. At its core was a question: How can we get healthcare to part-time, seasonal, and low-wage workers?
His answer was the HealthWorX Plan—a no-cost healthcare option made possible through a partnership with a non-profit.
“We found a way to offer good healthcare without high costs,” he explained.
This plan is now used by workers across industries, including janitorial services and agriculture. For many, it’s their only access to medical care.
A $100 Million Impact
The scale of the program is significant. Zabasky’s 501(c)(3) non-profit donates over $100 million each year in healthcare services and premiums.
“Helping others isn’t just good business,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
This work also underscores a bigger issue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 27 million Americans were uninsured in 2022. Many were part-time workers—exactly the group Zabasky set out to help.
Outside the Office
When he’s not building systems or solving policy gaps, Zabasky stays active. He enjoys bodybuilding, golf, boating, and baseball—his first love.
“Balance is key,” he said. “You need space for work and for the things that bring you joy.”
Lessons and Leadership
Zabasky doesn’t think of himself as a hero or innovator. He just sees problems and tries to solve them.
“Big ideas matter,” he said, “but only if you follow through.”
His journey shows how setbacks can become starting points, and how personal stories can lead to real-world change.
“My goal is simple,” he added. “Help people live better lives.”
Q&A with John Zabasky
- What inspired the creation of the HealthWorX Plan?
“A couple of things, actually. Seeing hardworking people with no access to healthcare—it didn’t make sense. I wanted to fix that. I started looking for a better model. That was also the case with my co-founder, Sharon Rowell. She had a rare form of cancer and was only saved because she was able to be part of a program at NIH.” - What made you shift from sports to business and healthcare?
“A serious injury ended my sports path. That was hard. But it pushed me toward school. Eventually, it opened the door to solving bigger problems.” - Why focus on part-time and seasonal workers?
“They’re the ones who often fall through the cracks. They work just as hard, but they don’t have access to basic benefits. That’s not right.” - How has your background in education shaped your career?
“Every degree helped me look at problems in a new way. History taught me context, business gave me tools, and tech helped me scale solutions.” - What does giving back mean to you?
“It’s not charity. It’s responsibility. If you have the tools and resources, why not use them to help someone else live a healthier life?” - Any advice for others who want to make a difference?
“Start small. Stay focused. You don’t need to start a company—just help someone. Share resources. Listen. That’s how real change happens.”
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