[brudgers]

There is no such thing as a 1099 employee.

In my opinion, the way to proceed is to do the right thing without pretending to be doing something else. I'd also consider evaluating an HR consultant that recommends in favor of employment discrimination against a disabled individual. It's easy to rationalize not providing health insurance to someone who might need it...that does not make it the right thing. In the end, the decisions are not decisions about an individual, they are decisions about company culture and values...and perhaps the values of those who have the ability to decide.

Good luck.