The average price for a DPC membership is about $65/month. In most states, the doctor can even dispense prescriptions at or near wholesale cost.

The idea is that higher utilization of primary care results in lower hospitalizations and specialist visits, which are very expensive for all parties. This has actually been proven in studies comparing total health spend by large employers before and after adding DPC for their employees. So spend a bit more in primary care, get high touch service, and lower cost in the long run.

Medicaid, btw, is our social safety net health insurance program. Most Americans have insurance though their employer which is usually a high deductible plan. Meaning, you have to spend thousands of dollars before insurance will start helping to cover the cost of healthcare for you.

Everything my doctor can do in the office, is part of the monthly fee. Everything on top of it - either cash or insurance. Labs are very cheap when ordering through my doctor (I am talking about $4-$8 for typical stuff). Prescription drugs - i fill through the insurance (fixed co-pay in my case) and if something major will happen, like accident or such, my regular insurance will kick in (after paying several thousands out of pocket)

The thing is - the most expenses I had throughout the years I lived in the USA were on primary doctor and labs. Only in one year out of 10 I had an accident where without a regular insurance I would be screwed.

So high-deductible plan + direct care is the most optimal setup for me right now.