Why DPC Matters During Open Enrollment

Every fall, open enrollment season rolls around and many of us find ourselves sifting through complicated insurance options, rising premiums, and confusing jargon. This year, costs are expected to climb again, leaving many wondering how to get the best value for their healthcare dollars.

At Elevated Direct Primary Care (DPC), we believe there’s a better way to approach healthcare—one that puts you at the center, prioritizes access and quality, and often saves money in the process.

What Is DPC?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model where you pay a flat monthly fee (at Elevated, $135/month) for comprehensive primary care services. That means:

• Unlimited visits (in-person or virtual) without extra copays

• Extended visits where you actually have time to talk through your health concerns

• Direct access to your physician through phone, text, or email

• Transparent pricing for labs, medications, and procedures

Instead of rushing through 15-minute visits and worrying about surprise bills, you have a true healthcare partner who knows you well.

How DPC Helps You Save Money

DPC doesn’t replace insurance—but it changes how you use it. Here’s how:

• Pair DPC with a high-deductible or lower-premium insurance plan. Since most of your day-to-day care is already included in your DPC membership, you can often choose a more affordable insurance plan that covers bigger-ticket items like hospitalizations, surgeries, or emergencies.

• Lower out-of-pocket costs. Labs, medications, and procedures through our office are often a fraction of the “insurance price.” Members are frequently surprised at how much they save—even without billing insurance.

• Preventive, proactive care. By having ready access to your doctor, small issues can be addressed early before they become expensive problems.

• Use HSA funds. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can often use these pre-tax dollars to cover your DPC membership or other medical expenses—helping stretch your healthcare budget even further.

For many families, the monthly savings on premiums plus the lower cost of labs and meds more than offsets the DPC membership fee.

A Note to Our Current Members

If you’re already part of Elevated, thank you! I know many of you are also reviewing insurance options right now. This is a great time to check whether a lower-cost plan pairs well with your DPC membership. And—please share this post with your friends and family. Many people still don’t know that DPC exists, and open enrollment is the perfect time to introduce them to it.

Choosing a Medicare Supplement

For those reaching Medicare age, DPC can still be a powerful part of your care plan. Medicare covers hospitalizations and major medical expenses, but it often leaves gaps in outpatient care. That’s where DPC steps in: unlimited access, longer visits, and coordination of your care.

When choosing a Medicare supplement or Advantage plan, consider:

• Will you need out-of-network flexibility? If so, a traditional Medicare plan plus a supplement may work best.

• Do you want lower premiums with more restrictions? Then a Medicare Advantage plan could be appropriate—but be aware of narrower networks and more prior authorizations.

• How will this pair with your DPC membership? Since your primary care needs are handled here, you may find that a lower-premium supplement works just fine, letting you focus coverage dollars on hospital and specialty care.

I’m always happy to walk through the pros and cons with you if you’re weighing your options.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare costs aren’t getting simpler or cheaper. But you can take control. Pairing a DPC membership with the right insurance plan gives you high-quality, accessible care while often saving money overall.

If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join Elevated Direct Primary Care. And if you’re already a member, thank you for trusting us—we’d love for you to spread the word this open enrollment season.