As healthcare costs continue to climb, many businesses are seeking smarter, more sustainable options. Direct primary care (DPC) has emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional insurance-based models, offering improved access to care, greater employee satisfaction, and long-term financial savings. So, what businesses have embraced DPC—and what results have they seen? The answer spans a range of industries, from nonprofits to school districts to state health plans. For businesses in Indiana embracing DPC, these success stories demonstrate that the benefits of DPC aren’t just theoretical—they’re attainable and measurable.
Horizon Goodwill Industries: Nonprofit Impact
Horizon Goodwill, a nonprofit organization, transitioned to a self-funded insurance model and implemented direct primary care for its employees. The result? Over $250,000 saved in the first year alone. Additionally, medical and prescription costs dropped from $564 per employee per month (PEPM) to $402 PEPM, representing a 29% cost reduction. Beyond savings, Horizon Goodwill reported improved access to care and stronger relationships between employees and their healthcare providers.
This example highlights how even mission-driven, budget-conscious businesses can embrace DPC and benefit from this more efficient healthcare model. The ability to redirect savings into programs or employee wages adds another layer of value, making DPC a smart investment across the board.
Bennett School District: A Lesson in Value
This Colorado school district introduced site-based DPC and reaped massive financial and employee-centered benefits. By shifting to this model, the district saved over $1.6 million in healthcare costs. Employees saw an average annual reduction of $900 in out-of-pocket expenses, and the district observed a 20% drop in stop-loss expenditures. The change not only enhanced satisfaction but also provided a more consistent, proactive form of care for school staff.
Education systems often face tight budgets and high burnout rates. The ability to provide high-quality, accessible care to teachers and staff—while saving the district money—can also contribute to improved morale, retention, and overall performance.
Ashtabula Area City Schools: A Bold Overhaul
Ashtabula Area City Schools (AACS) implemented a multi-pronged strategy that included going self-funded, integrating DPC, launching disease management programs, and working with Centers of Excellence (COEs). The result was staggering: over $2.4 million saved in a single plan year, with a consistent 20% year-over-year savings.
By prioritizing primary care and customizing benefits around employee health needs, AACS was able to address chronic conditions early, reduce ER visits, and streamline care coordination. This case shows the power of businesses embracing DPC and combining it with other forward-thinking healthcare approaches.
State of Montana Health Plan: A Statewide Success
In a large-scale public sector case, the State of Montana revamped its health plan by emphasizing primary care access and restructuring its provider contracts. This initiative yielded over $112 million in financial reserves within just three years. By investing in preventive care and optimizing its contracting process, the state managed to contain costs while increasing quality of care—a strategy that proves scalable to large populations.
Montana’s experience demonstrates that DPC can be embraced not just by small businesses or niche groups. With the right policy framework and leadership support, even entire state populations can benefit from the cost control and care quality that DPC provides.
Pipe Trades Services MN: Union-Driven Stability
Even unions are turning to DPC for long-term value. Pipe Trades Services MN, a labor union fund, opened a primary care clinic funded through union dues. Although only 25% of members currently use the clinic, the union has avoided any increases in healthcare spending for nearly a decade. That level of cost stability is virtually unheard of in traditional healthcare models and highlights how even partial DPC adoption can produce strong results.
This case also emphasizes that adoption doesn’t have to be immediate or universal to yield results. A phased approach—starting with voluntary participation—can still generate measurable benefits and pave the way for broader buy-in.
Why Direct Primary Care Works
Why should more businesses embrace DPC? DPC removes many of the administrative and financial barriers between patients and their doctors. Instead of billing insurance companies for each visit or procedure, DPC practices charge a flat monthly fee—often between $50 and $120 per person. This fee covers unlimited visits, longer appointment times, virtual consults, and same- or next-day access to care.
For employers, this model reduces claims costs, improves productivity, and cuts down on expensive urgent care or ER visits. For employees, it means better access, less time off work, and the ability to build a trusted relationship with a provider who understands their health history.
What This Means for Indiana Businesses Embracing DPC
Indiana companies—whether small, large, public, or private—have every reason to explore DPC. The organizations above didn’t just lower healthcare costs; they improved employee outcomes, satisfaction, and loyalty. For businesses seeking a more predictable, affordable, and effective healthcare strategy, DPC provides a proven path forward.
In industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, education, and public service—each of which has deep roots in Indiana—employees often face high physical demands and inconsistent access to care. DPC can help close those gaps by delivering personalized, preventive care that keeps workers healthier and on the job.
Additionally, Indiana’s regulatory environment is becoming increasingly friendly to innovative healthcare models. New businesses embracing DPC now have access to a growing network of providers and consultants familiar with rolling out the model successfully.
Contact Verve Advanced Primary Care
If you’re an Indiana business leader looking to reduce costs, improve health outcomes, and offer a competitive benefits package, direct primary care may be your next strategic move. Verve Advanced Primary Care offers expert guidance, proven systems, and exceptional provider access to help your team thrive. Contact Verve Advanced Primary Care today to learn how your business can embrace DPC and achieve similar results.