On April 2, 2026, WPRI ran the following news feature on membership medicine. Direct Primary Care is a form of membership medicine. The primary care clinicians do not engage with insurance companies, and receive an agreed upon payment from the patient. "Patients who can afford membership models are also likely benefiting from improved access to their doctors. In the short term, as the nation’s primary care workforce is struggling to keep up with demand, the physicians and patients remaining in the traditional primary care system are likely facing increased need for primary care access with less physician capacity available.” Click here for a link to the full interview.

For years, patients and doctors alike have hit a frustrating wall when trying to combine the personalized care of Direct Primary Care with the tax benefits of a Health Savings Account. Under old rules, the IRS viewed membership fees as "other health coverage," which often made members ineligible to contribute to their accounts. That changed with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Starting January 1, 2026, Direct Primary Care membership fees are officially recognized as qualified medical expenses. How Direct Primary Care and Health Savings Accounts Work Together In this new era, you can use pre-tax funds from your Health Savings Account to pay your monthly membership fees, making your primary care more affordable than ever. There are just a few simple limits to keep in mind for 2026: Monthly Payment Limits: You can use your account funds for membership fees up to $150 per month for individuals and $300 per month for families. Total Savings: Because contributions to these accounts are pre-tax, using them for your membership essentially gives you a "discount" equal to your tax bracket. Keep Your Coverage To contribute to a Health Savings Account, you must still be enrolled in a qualifying High-Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account vs. Flexible Spending Account: What’s the Difference? Both accounts let you pay for healthcare with tax-free money, but they work very differently. Here is a simple breakdown to help you choose: Feature Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Account Who Owns It? You do. It stays with you even if you change jobs or retire. Your employer. You lose the funds if you leave the company. Rollover Rules Unlimited. All unspent money rolls over every year forever. "Use it or lose it." You must spend most of it by the end of the year. Eligibility Requires a High-Deductible Health Plan. Available with most employer-sponsored health plans. Availability Funds accumulate as you contribute each month. Your full annual amount is typically available on Day 1. Growth Can be invested in stocks or mutual funds tax-free. No investment options; it is strictly a spending account. Why This Matters for Your Health By pairing a Direct Primary Care membership with a qualifying health plan, you get the best of both worlds: unlimited, same-day access to your doctor for routine care, and a growing tax-free nest egg for major medical needs or future expenses.

NBC News' Anne Thompson speaks with one physician who recently made the transition from corporate medicine to Direct Primary Care. Click here to hear his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxmgcvAOfIw Dr. Letitia Horrigan and Deanna Wright, NP-C couldn't agree more. Direct Primary Care places the patient at the center of healthcare. Health Made Simple. Care Made Personal.

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