What if you could spend less on healthcare and actually have better access to your primary care provider?

If you're already dreading what your health insurance is going to cost next year, you're certainly not alone. Maybe you're paying hundreds—or even well over a thousand dollars—a month for family coverage. Then somebody needs a sick visit, blood work, or a prescription, and you're still pulling out your wallet because you haven't met your deductible. Sound familiar?

Here's something I wish more families knew: You don't necessarily have to use your health insurance to pay for all your everyday primary care. There are other ways to put healthcare together, and for some families, the numbers can be pretty surprising.


What if you separated everyday healthcare from the big medical expenses?

Think about what your family actually needs throughout the year. Maybe you're managing blood pressure or thyroid medication. Your hormones are changing, your cholesterol needs watching, or you've got a few pounds you'd like to lose. The kids need checkups, sports physicals, or the occasional sick visit. You're not terribly sick, but you absolutely need good primary care. You also need financial protection if someone breaks a leg, needs surgery, develops a serious illness, or ends up in the hospital.

Those are two different needs. And they don't necessarily have to be handled through the same payment system. That's where Direct Primary Care comes in.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based approach to primary care.

At Southern Direct Primary Care in Smithville, Texas, our patients pay a predictable monthly membership directly to our practice. We don't bill insurance for the primary care services included in that membership. That allows us to keep our patient panels smaller and spend more time actually taking care of people.

Our members enjoy:

  • Longer appointments when needed, without feeling rushed.
  • Easier access to their primary care team.
  • Direct communication for medical questions and concerns.
  • Routine wellness visits, sick visits, chronic condition management, and preventive care.
  • Help managing medications and deciding which screenings and labs make sense.
  • Discounted cash pricing for many lab tests when appropriate.

And perhaps most importantly, they have a provider who knows their history and can help keep an eye on the whole picture. It's good old-fashioned primary care, just without so much of the hassle. 

Two ways families can combine DPC with other healthcare options

Option 1: Direct Primary Care + high-deductible health insurance

Some families choose a lower-premium, high-deductible insurance plan and pair it with a DPC membership. The insurance remains available for covered medical expenses such as hospital care, specialists, surgeries, and other services, subject to the plan's deductible, network, and benefits. Meanwhile, their Southern DPC membership provides everyday primary care without additional copays for included visits.

This arrangement may work particularly well for families who use primary care regularly but rarely meet their insurance deductible. The important thing is to compare the entire plan—not just the monthly premium. A lower premium may also mean a higher deductible or greater financial responsibility when something serious happens

Option 2: Direct Primary Care + a health-sharing program

Another option some families consider is a health-sharing program, such as Zion HealthShare. Health sharing is not health insurance. Members contribute toward a program that facilitates sharing eligible medical expenses according to its guidelines. Payment of medical expenses is not guaranteed in the same way as benefits under a regulated insurance policy. Health-sharing programs have their own eligibility rules, limitations, and member responsibilities. For families who understand those differences and are comfortable with them, pairing health sharing with DPC may be worth exploring.

At Southern DPC, we can help explain how our primary care membership works alongside these arrangements, but families should review the full terms of any insurance or health-sharing option before making a decision. 

Let's look at some actual numbers

Here's an illustration of what monthly costs might look like for a family of four with two adults ages 18–49 and two children. 

In these examples, the difference in recurring monthly payments could be $334–$440, or $4,008–$5,280 over a year. That's certainly worth a closer look! But remember, these are examples of monthly recurring payments—not a comparison of equivalent coverage or total medical costs.

The insurance premiums are hypothetical, and the Zion amount is an illustrative membership scenario that should be verified against current pricing. Deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, eligibility rules, and the costs of medical services outside DPC can change the financial picture considerably. For some families, a more comprehensive insurance plan will still be the better choice.

Who might benefit from this approach?

This is something I'd especially encourage you to explore if:

  • You or your family need regular primary care, but your insurance deductible is rarely met.
  • You're managing a few ongoing concerns such as blood pressure, thyroid issues, hormones, cholesterol, or medications.
  • You want someone who knows your family and is available when questions or problems come up.
  • You're frustrated with rising premiums, long waits, and paying additional copays for routine visits.
  • You're willing to compare the financial risks and benefits of different coverage arrangements.

On the other hand, families with significant ongoing medical expenses, complex health conditions, expensive specialty treatments, or medications may find that comprehensive insurance provides more appropriate financial protection. The goal isn't to convince everybody to change insurance. It's to help people understand their options.

Can you keep your insurance and still join Southern DPC?

Absolutely! In fact, many DPC patients keep health insurance. Southern DPC isn't insurance and doesn't replace the need to plan for major medical expenses. Our membership is for primary care. Insurance or another arrangement addresses different needs. You don't have to choose between having insurance and having a primary care provider who actually has time for you.

How much does Southern DPC cost?

Our current monthly membership rates are:

  • Children ages 0–17: $45
  • Adults ages 18–49: $75
  • Adults ages 50 and older: $85
  • Families of three or more receive a 10% membership discount.

For example, two adults under 50 and two children would pay $216 per month after the family discount. That includes the primary care services covered by membership. Outside services such as lab testing, imaging, medications, and specialist care may have separate costs.

Before you renew your health insurance, do a little homework

Look at what you're actually paying in premiums each year. Then look at your deductible, your maximum out-of-pocket responsibility, and what you've typically spent on healthcare. Ask yourself whether you're happy with the primary care you're receiving. Can you get an appointment when you need one? Does your provider know you? Do you have enough time to discuss your concerns? Do you feel like someone is helping you stay healthy rather than just treating problems as they pop up?

Because saving money is wonderful. But saving money while getting primary care that actually works for your family? That's even better.

Curious whether Southern DPC might be a good fit?

We're a locally owned Direct Primary Care practice in Smithville, serving families throughout Bastrop County and surrounding communities, including Bastrop, Elgin, and nearby towns. Kelly Matthews, FNP-C, is welcoming new patients, and we offer complimentary 15-minute Meet & Greets if you'd like to learn more. You don't have to figure everything out before calling us. We're happy to explain how our membership works and answer your questions.

Southern Direct Primary Care
Smithville, Texas
(833) 588-6967
southerndpc.com

Healthcare. But without the hassle.

Educational information only. Insurance and health-sharing terms, pricing, eligibility, and benefits vary. Zion HealthShare is not insurance. Southern Direct Primary Care is a Zion HealthShare affiliate and may receive compensation for referrals. This article does not constitute individualized insurance, financial, or tax advice.