If you have a small business you know the many struggles of entrepreneurship. You know that growth is a wonderful thing, but can also be daunting. You know that finding quality employees and being competitive with larger companies is an obstacle.
You also know that if you do not offer healthcare most likely your employees are not covered. So if something happens — they may be unable to work for an extended period of time.
As a small business owner you want to take care of your employees. They are making your dream a reality.
But in 2019, it was reported that only 30.8% of small businesses with under 50 employees offered health insurance.
And we all know why — it’s expensive. And the prices just keep going up. Even for the plans that are less desirable. So even if you want to offer health insurance — you just can’t afford it.
Unfortunately, this could lead to less qualified employees and high turnover.
According to an article from the Society of Human Resource Management — people will take jobs and stay at jobs if they like the health plan.
So what can you do to make the position at your company more enticing?
Offer Direct Primary Care.
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What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an alternative healthcare model. Some call it subscription medicine. You pay a monthly fee — usually under $100 per person — and your employees have direct access to a primary care physician.
The doctor is available through office visits, phone calls, messages through a secure portal, and video appointments (telehealth).
If your employees have questions about their health — no matter how small — they can contact their doctor.
They don’t have to set up an office visit — unless they want to or the doctor feels it’s necessary.
And they don’t have to pay a copay so there is no money out of their pocket.
In fact, it was found that people spend 81% less out of pocket with the DPC model than with a traditional healthcare model.
How Can DPC Help Your Small Business?
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As a small business owner you work closely with your employees and want them to be happy. You work hard to create a positive work culture and want them to know that you care about their well being.
Offering DPC is a great way to give them peace of mind when it comes to their health.
According to a study done in 2020 by Milliman for The Society of Actuaries (SOA) — patients were happier with the care they received in the direct primary care model vs the fee for service model (aka traditional healthcare). 98% happier to be exact.
When your employees have easy access to healthcare that they don’t have to pay out of pocket for, they are more likely to use it.
Many times people will not go to the doctor because of the cost. It is the cost of the copay and the cost of missing work. Therefore, many people will put off going to the doctor because they don’t feel they have the time or money to do so.
Having accessibility to their physician in the DPC model keeps them healthier, which means less sick days used. You can read about all the ways Direct Primary Care can help your employees live a longer and healthier life here.
With the direct primary care model, your employees can talk with a doctor at no additional cost. There is no co-pay. They can also talk with their doctor when it is convenient for them.
Appointments are flexible and can be scheduled for telehealth during their lunch break or during off-work hours.
Instead of running to convenient care or urgent care — your employees can have access to a doctor that knows them.
Is Direct Primary Care A Form of Insurance?
Direct Primary Care is not insurance. The middle man — insurance — has been removed from the equation.
Many DPC providers recommend a high deductible plan or catastrophic plan in conjunction with the DPC plan.
That way if a catastrophic event like a car accident or heart attack happens the person is covered.
Sometimes that is not an option though. And offering alternative healthcare like DPC is better than nothing at all.
Can You Have Insurance And DPC?
Yes. High deductible plans are growing in popularity because they are more cost effective for employers.
Many companies that do offer insurance have a high deductible plan. And in that situation —
Direct Primary Care is a great compliment.
Offering Direct Primary Care with a high deductible plan is a great way to keep insurance premium prices low. If your employees are not utilizing the insurance plan then you are less likely to see a premium increase for the next year.
As our lives get busier, it’s easier for your employees to neglect themselves. That can cost you in the long run. Many people take advantage of convenient and urgent care because of the hours they are available.
They also wait and end up in the ER which skyrockets insurance premiums the next year.
It has been found that those who use DPC are less likely to go to the Emergency Room. According to the Milliman study the Direct Primary Care model received 40% fewer ER visits — and that is compared to those with an insurance plan.
Direct Primary Care is a true doctor patient relationship, it’s affordable, and it’s convenient.
How do you think potential employees would feel when you are explaining this amazing service you offer?
Who Do We Contact?
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Dr. Sheila Chen is a board certified Internist. She is located in Fairfax, Virginia and serves the surrounding areas.
At Dimensions DPC, coverage is $80 per month per person and if you have ten or more employees it goes down to $50 per month per person.
So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a great alternative to health insurance or something to help reduce the rising premiums of your insurance plan for your small business — contact Dimensions DPC today.