Need to hire a full time assistant

My business is picking up and I’d like to hire a full time assistant. Been doing this full time by myself for the past 8 years. I didn’t know that if I hire someone, health care benefit is something I’d have to really consider. Is there any way of making this assistant be an independent contractor so that he/she has to take care of his/her own health care? or Where can I go to get a cheap health insurance plan? Can anyone point me to the right direction? I’m sure I need a lot more than just the health care aspect so please help me.

You dont have to give benefits to hire someone. If they work for you and no-one else they are an employee.

I hired my wife to do the books and take calls. No paychecks, no benefits, Life is good. She does take off when she wants and she also expects me to keep money in our checking account.