Doctors, though, are cautioning their patients that there is a gap in the coverage, since the plans are primarily geared toward healthy patients. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The economic impact of COVID-19 has more people considering direct primary care as an alternative to traditional health insurance, especially as more people lose their job.
At Vida Family Medicine in Texas, inquiries about becoming a member have doubled to nearly four a week, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle. Tom Banning, CEO of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and a board member for the Direct Primary Care Coalition, said practices nationwide are reporting an increase in patients during the pandemic.
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A membership at Vida Family Medicine—which come in three tiers—covers physicals, stitches and telemedicine among its basic services. Additional fees are tacked on for more costly procedures and tests.
Doctors, though, are cautioning their patients that there is a gap in the coverage, since the plans are primarily geared toward healthy patients, according to the article. The membership fees don't cover emergency room visits, hospital stays and other expensive services.
That has many doctors recommending that patients supplement their direct primary care memberships with catastrophic coverage or plans with a high deductible.
According to a report from the Direct Primary Care Coalition and American Academy of Family Physicians, the average monthly fee for an adult is $73.92. DPC members had nearly 20% lower claim costs for employers on an unadjusted basis, and 40% fewer ER visits than a traditional plan. Members also saw a nearly 54% percent reduction in their ER claims costs.
Mitchel Balladares, 39, told the Chronicle he was looking for cheaper coverage than what was available through the Affordable Care Act after he was laid off from his job in the oil and gas industry. Plans on the exchange started at $253 a month for a person his age and included an $8,000 deductible.
Ballardes, who is healthy and only sees a doctor for checkups, is paying $45 a month for his DPC plan.
"For what I'm looking to get done," Balladares said. "I think it's adequate."
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Nate Robson
Nate Robson is the U.S. Supreme Court and regulatory editor. Contact him at [email protected]. On Twitter: @Nate_Robson1.
