DPC & Health Insurance: How They Work Together

Is Direct Primary Care the same as insurance?

No, and that’s by design.

At Mahler Family Medicine, we offer comprehensive primary care through a monthly membership. This covers most of what you’ll need day-to-day—like checkups, sick visits, urgent care, labs, chronic care, medications and access to your provider whenever you need them.

But we don’t provide emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, or specialist treatment—and we don’t bill insurance. That’s why we recommend having a major medical plan or health share for those unexpected or big-ticket events.

Uninsured? You’re not alone.

We understand—insurance is expensive, confusing, and often out of reach for individuals and families.

A DPC membership can give you consistent, affordable access to a trusted primary care provider—so you don’t have to go without care.

Have questions? We’re happy to walk through your options. Just give us a call or stop by.

Already have insurance? Here’s why DPC still matters.

Even if you’re insured, you’ve probably noticed the headaches—long waits, surprise bills, and bouncing between providers. That’s where we come in.

A DPC membership works alongside your insurance, giving you unlimited access to a consistent provider, with no co-pays or hidden fees. Many of our members use DPC for everyday care and save their insurance for emergencies or major procedures.

Looking to save on insurance? Pair DPC with a high-deductible plan.

If you’re relatively healthy and don’t visit the ER often, a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) might be a smart fit. You’ll pay lower monthly premiums, and your DPC membership will cover the routine and preventive care that insurance often skips.

It’s a simple, affordable combo:
🔹 DPC handles the day-to-day.
🔹 Your HDHP protects you from the big stuff.

Some insurance companies and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may allow you to submit for reimbursement of your monthly membership fee because it can reduce their costs in the long run.

💡 Pro tip: Contact your insurance provider or HRA administrator and ask if they offer reimbursement for DPC memberships. Some members have successfully received partial or full reimbursement!

The Bottom Line

Whether you have insurance, don’t have it, or aren’t sure what direction to take—we’re here to support your health journey.

📞 Have questions? We’re here to help.