Why are smart businesses switching to Direct Primary Care?
Rising healthcare costs have become one of the biggest challenges for small and mid-sized businesses. Premiums are climbing, deductibles are higher, can feel like an up-hill battle for employers and employees alike. If you're a business owner looking for an innovative way to cut costs while improving healthcare access for your team, Direct Primary Care (DPC) might be the solution you've been searching for.
Lets break down how DPC works and how it can reduce your company's healthcare spending without compromising on quality.
What is Direct Primary Care? A healthcare model where patients or employers on their behalf pay an affordable , flat monthly membership fee directly to a primary care healthcare provider. This fee typically covers all or most primary care services-including check-ups, chronic disease management, urgent care, and preventative screenings.
There are no copays and no surprise bills.
DPC simplifies the healthcare experience creating a more personal, accessible relationship between medical provider and patient.
1. Predictable, Transparent Costs
One of the biggest frustrations for employers and employees is the unpredictable nature of costs. With DPC, employers can plan confidently.
Example: Lets say you have 10 employees. At Grace Family Medicine, that membership will cost $85 per employee per month regardless of age. That's $850/month or $10,200/year-often significantly less than traditional insurance premiums. You know exactly what you're paying for. No hidden fees.
2. Better Access=Healthier Employees=Lower Costs
At Grace Family Medicine, our patients get same-day or next-day appointments for urgent issues, direct messaging with their medical providers, relaxed visits that address issues before they escalate.
Here's how that translates to savings for your business and employees:
- Fewer ER and urgent care visits- because employees can text their DPC providers and get seen quickly.
- Fewer sick days-because problems are treated early.
- Better chronic disease management-which leads to lower long-term costs for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Healthier employees are more productive, miss fewer days, and contribute more fully to your business.
3. DPC Compliments High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), Self-Funded Plans, or Level-Funded Plans
Because DPC handles around 80-90% of the average persons healthcare needs, your employees will rely less on insurance for day-to-day care. That means fewer claims going through your group insurance plan. Fewer claims can help reduce your insurance premiums at renewal time-especially if you are using a level-funded or self-funded health plan.
You're essentially "offloading" routine care from the insurance company and replacing it with a far more efficient, cost-effective alternative.
Many businesses structure their health benefits this way:
- Offer a DPC membership to cover most routine needs.
- Provide a HDHP, health-sharing plan for catastrophic coverage.
This hybrid approach drastically reduces isnurance premiums while ensuring your employees still have coverage for major medical events.
4. Better Employee Satisfaction and Retention
In today's competitive hiring market, good benefits can help you attract and retain top talent. Offering DPC shows that you care about your employees' health and wellbeing-while also saving them time, money and stress.
Your team will appreciate:
- Shorter wait times
- Easier access to care
- No copays or surprise bills
- A real relationship with their medical provider
This can translate to higher job satisfaction, stronger loyalty, and reduced turnover- all of which have significant cost-saving implications for your business.
5. It's Great for Your Culture
Beyond the dollars and cents, DPC can support a healthier, more human-centered company culture. It removes barriers to care, encourages prevention, and gives employees the freedom to take charge of their health without worrying about financial consequences.
Is DPC right for Your Business?
Direct Primary Care isn't a one size fits all but for many small and midsized businesses, it's a game changer.
If you're tired of rising insurance costs, struggling with employee frustration, retention and absenteeism, DPC offers a refreshing alternative.
You might be a good fit with Grace Family Medicine if:
- You have 5-100 employees
- You offer self funded or HDHPs
- You want to start offering group health benefits
- You're interested in cost savings, better care, and happier employees
Final Thoughts
Employer sponsored Direct Primary Care offers proven advantages all employers seek in a healthcare solution-reduce healthcare costs, reduce ER visits, boosts employee retention and enhance productivity.
At $85 per employee per month, DPC is worth a serious look for any business owner, nonprofit organization that wants to start offering a high-quality health benefit to your team without breaking the bank.
To start the conversation book a virtual coffee with me below or email me at - carlos@dpcwellington.com
