How to use a DPC (Direct Primary Care), HSA, and High-Deductible Plans for Your Family and SAVE!
- drkurowski
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
Why many families are using a modern combination that actually makes healthcare more affordable
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from families is this:
“We’re paying so much for insurance, but we still can’t see our doctor or get the care we need.”
That frustration is exactly why more families are moving toward using a Direct Primary Care clinic like Thrive Pediatrics and combining it with either a catastrophic health plan or
High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)
AND a
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
This combo can give families better access, more personalized care, and more control over health spending—especially for kids.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model of healthcare where you have unlimited access to your pediatrician for a simple monthly fee.
At Thrive Pediatrics, this includes things like:
longer, unrushed visits
direct messaging with your doctor by text or a phone call
same and next day sick visits
newborn home visits
Transparent pricing
low cost labs and medications often 10x less than through insurance
AND best of all, a relationship with your Doctor that you can trust!
There are no co-pays and no surprise bills from insurance. Instead of billing insurance for every visit, procedure, and conversation—we work directly with you for your kids.
What is a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)?
An HDHP is a type of insurance plan with:
✔ a lower monthly premium
AND
✔ a higher deductible.
This means families pay less each month and only use the plan if something major happens (like ER care, surgery, hospitalizations, etc).
HDHPs are designed to cover the big stuff, while allowing families more control over everyday healthcare spending. This was always the original design of health insurance that has over time turned into covering “more” for more money but in reality covering “less”.
What is an HSA?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special bank account that lets you save money tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
With an HSA, money goes in tax-free…and can be used for:
medical care
Medications
Labs
Imaging
and many other pediatric expenses
Even better:
contributions are tax-deductible
the money grows tax-free
unused funds roll over every year and remain yours. If you don’t use it on healthcare now you can use it later when you really need it!
So how does DPC fit into all of this? How to use a DPC and HSA Together
Most families join a DPC practice AND choose a lower-cost HDHP + HSA.
They get:
better access to care
predictable costs - often saving money!
fewer urgent care visits and fewer ER visits leading to less cost AND better care.
less time away from work
fewer surprise bills
Pediatric DPC can handle about 90-95% of most healthcare needs.
A common question:
Can I use an HSA to pay for DPC?
Per the IRS, as of January 2026:
DPC fees are considered a medical expense which means
they are HSA-eligible or tax-deductible - fees must be
$150 or less per month per individual OR
$300 or less per month per family
Used for primary care services in a membership and paid as a fixed periodic fee
This year, Marketplace Bronze and Catastrophic plans will automatically qualify as HSA eligible HDHP’s!
So who is this model ideal for?
Families who:
✔ want better access and communication
✔ have high deductibles
✔ need or want more time with their pediatrician
✔ want time to get into other treatment options beyond antibiotics and quick fixes
✔ want predictable costs
✔ want to use an HSA tax benefit
✔ Have no or limited insurance
Bottom Line
Using a DPC membership + a high-deductible plan + an HSA is often the most affordable way for families to receive high-quality, personalized pediatric care while still protecting themselves from major medical expenses.
You control your healthcare—not a billing system. Best part, even if your insurance changes, your Doctor never does!
Want to learn more about how this works for your family?
👉 Schedule a Meet & Greet at
👉 Message me with questions at info@thrivepedswi.com
Elizabeth Kurowski, MD
Thrive Pediatrics
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