You want a doctor who knows your name.
Someone who listens. Someone who doesn’t rush. And someone who actually picks up the phone when you call.

That’s exactly what Direct Primary Care (DPC) promises—and in many ways, it delivers.

In more affluent pockets of Northeast Florida and across the country, DPC is gaining traction for good reason. You pay a flat monthly fee and get unlimited visits with a doctor who is truly invested in you. Some labs and tests may even be included. It feels more personal, more connected, and honestly, like how healthcare should be.

But here’s where things get murky…

The Pros of Direct Primary Care

• Real relationships with your provider
  No 7-minute visits. You actually get time with your doctor.

• Simple pricing
  One monthly fee, often $50–$150 per person, with no copays or surprise bills for office visits.

• Same-day or next-day appointments
  DPC doctors keep their patient panels small so they can serve you better.

• Care that’s proactive, not reactive
  DPC encourages prevention, wellness, and early intervention—which we love.

But DPC Has a Problem You Can’t Ignore

We’ve seen it too many times: Someone joins a DPC practice thinking they’ve “solved” their healthcare. But then life happens.

What if you need:

• A specialist?

• A diagnostic scan, like an MRI or CT?

• A prescription that’s hundreds per month?

• A trip to the ER or an overnight hospital stay?

Your DPC membership won’t cover any of that. And if you don’t have insurance, you’re on the hook—completely. Out-of-pocket. Full price.

That’s where the risk becomes real.

Insurance Isn’t for the Small Stuff—It’s for the Catastrophic

We hear this all the time:

"Insurance is a waste of money."

"I never use it."

"It’s just a racket."

And to some degree, we understand that frustration. Most people don’t get warm and fuzzy feelings when they think about premiums or deductibles. But here’s the truth:

Insurance is designed to protect you from financial devastation, not to cover every sniffle or flu test.

If a heart attack, stroke, cancer diagnosis, or car accident hits, your DPC doctor can’t admit you to the hospital. And the hospital won’t take your monthly DPC membership as payment.

So, What’s the Solution?

Here’s what we recommend:

• Combine a DPC membership with a high-deductible insurance plan that protects you from the big stuff—surgery, hospitalization, specialist care, expensive medications.

• Know your numbers. We can help you find a plan that pairs well with your DPC setup—without overpaying.

• Avoid being uninsured. Even if you’re healthy, don’t gamble with catastrophic risk.

We’re Not Here to Push Insurance. We’re Here to Help You Be Smart About It.

At Mere, we’re fans of DPC. In fact, we celebrate any healthcare model that puts people first. But we also want to make sure you're covered for the unexpected.

Because when life hits, the last thing you should be worrying about is how much it will cost to stay alive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

 Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where you pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to a primary care doctor, without copays or hidden charges. Mere Benefits supports models like DPC that put people first.

What are the benefits of Direct Primary Care?

 DPC offers longer visits, same-day or next-day appointments, personalized care, and proactive wellness—all for a predictable monthly cost. At Mere Benefits, we value care that feels personal and connected.

Does Direct Primary Care replace health insurance?

 No. DPC covers only primary care services. It does not cover hospital visits, specialists, surgeries, emergency care, or costly prescriptions. That’s why Mere Benefits recommends having both DPC and insurance.

What happens if I need care outside of my DPC membership?

You’ll be responsible for 100% of those costs if you don’t have insurance—this can lead to serious financial risk. Mere Benefits helps you avoid this by finding the right insurance plan to pair with your DPC.

What’s the best way to protect myself while using DPC?

Mere Benefits recommends pairing DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan. This keeps your monthly costs low while covering major medical needs and emergencies.

Is Direct Primary Care worth it if I already have insurance?

Yes, many people use DPC for better access and more personalized care. Insurance still provides protection for emergencies, and Mere Benefits can help you balance both.

Can Mere Benefits help me find the right insurance to complement DPC?

Absolutely. Mere Benefits offers personalized, no-cost guidance to help you choose a plan that works seamlessly with your DPC membership.

Is DPC available in all states?

DPC is growing nationwide but availability varies. Contact Mere Benefits to check if DPC and compatible insurance plans are available in your state.

Need help finding a plan that works with your DPC?

We’re licensed in multiple states and offer no-cost guidance.

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