Predictable & Transparent Costs — The Foundation of Savings for Small Businesses
Imagine you’re a small business owner in Shreveport. You’ve got ten employees, a tight budget, and every dollar counts. You want to offer healthcare benefits because you care about your team, but you dread the annual conversation with your insurance broker. The premiums keep climbing, deductibles go up, and you never really know what the year will bring. One accident, one unexpected surgery, and your entire cost projection can get blown apart.
This is exactly the problem that Direct Primary Care (DPC) solves. At its core, DPC is built on the principle of predictable and transparent costs. Instead of paying unpredictable premiums and waiting for surprise bills to land on your desk, you pay a flat monthly membership fee per employee. That’s it. The bulk of primary care — from office visits to chronic disease management to virtual consults — is included in that fee. No copays. No deductibles. No hidden surprises.
Why Predictability Matters for Small Businesses
Uncertainty is one of the biggest threats to a small business budget. Unlike large corporations, small employers don’t have the reserves to absorb unexpected swings in healthcare costs. A single employee’s ER visit can trigger a spike in claims that drives up next year’s premiums for everyone.
With DPC, you know exactly what your monthly line item will be for healthcare. For example:
If a clinic charges $99 per employee per month, and you have 10 employees, your maximum monthly expense is $990.
Whether an employee comes in once a year or once a week, the cost is the same.
That predictability is gold for a small business owner who needs to forecast expenses accurately.
The Three Most Important Aspects of Predictable & Transparent Costs
1. Fixed Monthly Fee
This is the foundation. Instead of paying unpredictable insurance premiums with layers of hidden costs, you pay a flat fee per employee.
Role: It creates budget stability.
Benefit: You can plan healthcare spending with the same confidence you plan rent or payroll.
Example: A local auto repair shop in Louisiana enrolled its staff in a DPC program at $99/month per employee. Their costs no longer swing with claims, and the owner says it’s “the first time healthcare spending feels like a steady bill, not a gamble.”
2. No Copays or Deductibles
One of the biggest barriers employees face is the out-of-pocket cost at the time of care. With DPC, that’s eliminated.
Role: It encourages employees to seek care early, before small issues become expensive crises.
Benefit: Employees don’t delay care, which reduces costly ER visits or specialist referrals.
Example: An employee with high blood pressure can see their DPC doctor regularly without worrying about $30–$50 copays. That same employee might avoid an ER visit for hypertensive urgency — saving the business thousands indirectly by preventing a spike in claims.
3. Transparent Service Inclusions
With DPC, employers and employees know what’s covered up front. Unlimited visits, chronic disease management, urgent care — all included.
Role: Reduces confusion and administrative headaches.
Benefit: Employees trust the benefit, and HR staff aren’t left fielding questions about what’s “in network.”
Example: One Shreveport restaurant group that partnered with a DPC clinic highlighted how easy it was to explain to employees: “Your visits are covered. If you need blood work, it’s at wholesale cost. That’s it.” The clarity boosted employee satisfaction.
Practical Advice for Business Owners
Compare Costs: Look at your current premiums, copays, and deductibles. Add them all up and see how they compare to a flat DPC membership fee.
Think Long-Term: Don’t just compare this year’s premium to a DPC fee — factor in how unpredictable renewals impact your budget over five years.
Educate Your Team: Make sure employees understand they can walk into their doctor’s office or call anytime without paying extra. The more they use it, the more value you get.
Action Steps You Can Take
Request a Proposal: Reach out to a local DPC practice like Shreveport Direct Care and ask for a per-employee cost breakdown.
Run the Numbers: Sit down with your accountant or HR manager and compare DPC membership costs with your current healthcare spend.
Pilot the Program: Try it with a subset of employees (like your highest healthcare users) and track the impact on absenteeism and claims.
Likely Outcomes for Your Business
Stable Budgeting: No more shock renewals or surprise bills.
Lower Overall Costs: Many businesses save 15–40% annually.
Healthier Employees: With no cost barrier, employees seek care earlier and stay healthier.
Happier Team: Employees feel valued when healthcare is simple and affordable.
The Key Takeaway
For small businesses, predictable and transparent costs are more than a financial perk — they’re a strategic advantage. DPC transforms healthcare from an unpredictable liability into a steady, controllable business expense. That stability gives owners the freedom to plan, the confidence to invest, and the peace of mind that their employees are cared for without breaking the bank.
Shreveport Direct Care would love to care for you and your employees. Our DPC plan also includes more than 1000 medications with your membership fee. Reach out to us for more information,