November is Open Enrollment season, a time that tends to bring more confusion and anxiety for many families in Albany, New York (and honestly, everywhere). The forms, the fine print, the endless “compare plan” tables…it’s a lot. And often requires a glossary just to understand what deductibles, premiums, in vs. out of network, and more insurance lingo actually means.

But it’s also an opportunity to pause, reflect on, and be intentional about your healthcare, how you spend your hard earned dollars, and who you trust with your and your family’s well-being.

At Heirloom Family Medicine, Dr. Meghan Monthie believes in being intentional about choosing care that actually fits into your busy life. Direct Primary Care (DPC) can be a cornerstone of that plan, offering deeply personal, accessible, and predictable care for your everyday health needs without surprise bills or rushed visits.

While DPC is great for your family’s everyday needs, you’ll still want protection for life’s “what ifs.” With patients of all backgrounds choosing Heirloom for their care, DPC can serve nearly any family. It just takes a little creativity in how you think about your healthcare dollars.

Let’s break down a few ways to make your healthcare both high-quality and affordable:

Option 1: Pairing DPC with a High-Deductible Insurance Plan

For many families, the sweet spot is combining a DPC membership with a high-deductible or “catastrophic” insurance plan that offers lower monthly premiums than traditional coverage:

• DPC covers the everyday. Office visits, urgent needs, coordination of care, chronic disease management, and messaging with your doctor is all included for an affordable, predictable monthly membership fee.
• Your insurance covers the big, unexpected stuff. Hospitalizations, surgeries, imaging (though we also find patients excellent cash/self pay rates!), and unexpected major medical events.
• You’re not double-paying for primary care. You get the best of both worlds: personal, ongoing care from Heirloom and financial protection for the “what ifs.”

Many patients find that pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan gives them more predictability and peace of mind than relying solely on traditional insurance for everything.

Option 2: Pairing DPC with a Health Sharing Plan

Health sharing ministries and medical cost-sharing communities are becoming a popular alternative to traditional insurance, especially for families who value flexibility, transparency, and community.

These programs aren’t insurance; they are voluntary member-based groups that help share the cost of large, unexpected medical expenses. Members pay a monthly contribution (that is much lower than that of insurance premiums) to share the cost of larger medical needs (such as hospitalizations, surgeries, or maternity care) for members of the group.

When combined with DPC, you get:

• Affordable, relationship-centered primary care through Heirloom
• Community-based protection for big medical events through health sharing plans
• More choice in how and where you receive care

While coverage details can vary between organizations, many families love the autonomy, shared responsibility, and partnership with their DPC doctor that health sharing makes possible.

Option 2.5: Use Your HSA or FSA Dollars to Fund DPC

The biggest buzz in the DPC community? The One Big Beautiful Bill, which will allow Americans to pay for their DPC memberships using FSA funds starting January 1, 2026.

That means your investment in personalized, relationship-based care can soon come from pre-tax dollars, lowering your overall costs.

(Don’t forget to verify with your benefits administrator to make sure DPC qualifies under your plan’s “medical expenses” category to cover your bases).

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So, which choice is best for you and your family?

Like many things in healthcare, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your family’s unique needs, health, and comfort level with risk.

Open Enrollment can feel overwhelming, but it’s also your chance to take control of your healthcare story. Whichever path you choose, pairing it with Heirloom or another DPC practice ensures that the most important part of your healthcare – the part where you’re actually seen, heard, and cared for – is already in place.

If you’d like help walking through your options to determine what makes the most sense for you and your family, book a free Meet & Greet with Dr. Meghan Monthie.