Primary Care Memberships: A No-Insurance Healthcare Model

Just as consumers are seeking less expensive options for healthcare, some 5,000 doctors across the U.S. are ditching traditional health insurance-based practices and adopting the model of Primary Care Membership. Also commonly called Direct Patient Care, a no-insurance practice allows doctors to eliminate the red tape associated with insurance, reduce overhead and spend more time with patients. 

About a year ago, lab owner Tom Brainsky began offering his staff Primary Care Memberships through CovenantMD. Brainsky pays 100% of his employees’ cost—about $75 per person per month—which gives them access to primary care doctors at one location. Eight out of his 12 employees are opting to participate. 

Appointments are generally longer and more thorough than those offered by insurance-based doctors; the doctors are available by phone, skype, text or email 24/7; and there’s no office visit co-pays unless it’s...