Direct Primary Care (DPC) plans are an employee benefit typically offered in addition to a traditional group health insurance plan or limited benefit plan. For a low monthly membership fee each employee may receive unlimited primary care visits with no deductible to meet. Many DPC plans include tele-medicine and virtual visits.
DPC plans are a lifesaver for employees that struggle with meeting high deductibles for primary care. Such plans are also a benefit for employees that cannot afford to insure their dependents. For those with chronic illnesses, having access to unlimited doctor visits for chronic disease management is a lifesaver as well.
Because DPC plans are not insurance there are no claims, and employers may offer direct primary care benefits to 1099, part-time, remote, and seasonal employees. Whether a large or small employer, DPC benefits attract and retain innovative employees, and are a cost-effective recruitment strategy.
Many employers are not aware that because DPC plans are not insurance (whether they include tele-medicine and virtual visits or not) these plans generate no claims history. As an example, managing an employee’s chronic illness generates claims with a traditional group health insurance plan for the life of the employee. The DPC plan will divert claims for many acute and chronic medical conditions which will lead to significant group health insurance premium savings for the employer.