What Does Direct Primary Care Pair Well With?

 

Building A Smarter Healthcare Strategy

At Exemplar Care, we believe your health should be simple, predictable, and personalized. That’s why our Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership is designed to give you just that: affordable, accessible primary and urgent care without the hassle of copays, surprise bills, or rushed visits.

But many people wonder: Do I still need insurance? The answer is often yes, and pairing DPC with other types of coverage can create a powerful combination that protects both your everyday health and your peace of mind.

Here’s a closer look at what works well with DPC and why it matters.

1. High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)

Pairing your DPC membership with an HDHP is one of the most common and effective strategies.

Why it works:

  • DPC covers 85% of most healthcare needs, such as doctor visits, labs, generic medications, and more, so you rely less on insurance for routine and acute care.

  • Your HDHP then serves as protection for major, unexpected events like surgeries or hospitalizations.

Benefit: This combination can save you 20–30% on healthcare costs. It also allows you to focus on preventive care, which keeps you healthier in the long run.

2. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

If you pair DPC with an HDHP, an HSA can be a great tool for tax-advantaged savings.

How it helps:

3. Catastrophic Insurance

DPC membership doesn’t cover hospital stays, major procedures, or specialist care.

How to stay covered:

  • Pair your DPC with a catastrophic plan or wraparound insurance.

  • This ensures you’re protected from high-cost events without paying high deductibles and copays for routine care.

Benefit: You get full protection when it matters most, while still enjoying the simplicity and accessibility of DPC.

4. Health Share Plans

Some families choose to pair DPC with health share programs — community-based pools that help cover large medical bills. This can be far more cost-effective than traditional insurance, especially if you don’t qualify for ACA subsidies.

Why it works:

  • DPC covers day-to-day and urgent care visits, while health share helps pay for major medical expenses.

  • Health share plans usually cost much less than unsubsidized ACA-style insurance.

  • Unlike traditional insurance, you’re not paying twice for routine primary care. Your DPC membership covers those services upfront, and more.

5. A Perfect Fit for 1099 and Independent Contractors

Direct Primary Care also pairs exceptionally well with the needs of independent contractors, freelancers, and 1099 earners. This group is often left navigating healthcare completely on their own.

Why it matters for contractors:

  • 1099 workers don’t receive employer-sponsored insurance and often face very high premiums for traditional plans.

  • DPC gives them affordable, predictable access to primary and urgent care without the financial strain of copays or unpredictable bills.

  • Pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan, catastrophic plan, or health share creates a smart, budget-friendly alternative to expensive traditional coverage.

The benefit:
Contractors can have reliable, relationship-driven primary care for a low monthly fee while still being protected from major medical expenses through additional coverage of their choice. It’s a flexible, customizable approach that supports their lifestyle, their income, and their health.

Why Pairing Makes Sense

Pairing DPC with other coverage gives you:

  • Predictable costs – Your membership fee covers everyday care, reducing surprise bills.
  • Better access to your doctor – Longer visits, more communication, and proactive preventive care.
  • Peace of mind – Major medical events are covered by insurance, catastrophic plans, or health share programs.

The combination is more than just practical; it’s empowering. You take control of your everyday health while protecting yourself from life’s unexpected medical moments.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to see how DPC can simplify your healthcare while keeping you covered, contact us today.

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