Some Doctors Dropping Health Insurance, Turn to Monthly Payments

Originally from WSBT22 by Brooke O’Daniel

Imagine going to a doctor’s office that doesn’t take health insurance; instead, they charge a monthly fee.

An office in Saint Joseph switched to that healthcare model a year and a half ago.

The patients WSBT 22 talked with say it's actually been more cost-effective. They said even though they have health insurance, paying a monthly fee is actually less expensive than paying their insurance deductible.

That’s not the only benefit -- they say this new healthcare model allows for longer appointments and a more personal relationship with their physician.

Tracy Marr has been a patient of Family Physicians of Saint Joseph for more than a decade. She says the change to a monthly fee system has been a huge benefit.

“For me, it actually takes the worry off," said Marr. "Should I go in, should I not go in? I go in,"

Marr says appointment times are now a half hour or longer, and it’s always easy for her to get in.

“They really get to know you, and they treat the whole person the whole body," said Marr. "They really take time to listen, and I like that I’m not rushed in or rushed out."

Even when the office isn’t open, you can still get advice on your symptoms.

“I remember one night I texted her at 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. she answered me and told me what to do," said Marr. "Her suggestion worked, so I didn’t have to go to the doctor."

Dr. Michael Eggebrecht says he experienced a lot of frustrations when they accepted insurance.

“That would be an example of a patient needing a procedure, or they need a CAT scan or MRI, but the insurance company would be unwilling to authorize that or provide that or pay for it,” said Eggebrecht.

By switching to this patient-focused model, it’s taken a lot of stress off of the doctors.

“It’s actually allowed me to kind of get a second breath, and realize that the second half of health care for my career can be really enjoyable,” said Eggebrecht.

So how much does it cost? Children are $55 a month. Adults 49 years of age and younger are $65 a month, and adults 50 years and older are $75 a month.

Milton Richter became a patient a year ago and says it’s a savings for him.

“From what I can figure now, I believe we’re saving money in the long run," said Richter. "Because our deductibles are so high with Medicare, it was cheaper to come here."

Marr says along with savings, the new system has more importantly given her piece of mind.

“I think it can actually be life-saving," said Marr. "I know that sounds dramatic, but how many times do people not go to the doctor because they don’t want to spend the money or the time?”

Eggebrecht said that because this is such a unique healthcare model, the staff is going to be presenting the details of their office’s transition at a medical conference to other family physicians from around the country this summer.

Another local doctor who runs this type of concierge doctor service warns this approach may not be right for people who don’t go to the doctor often. He also warns that you will still need medical insurance for emergencies that may arise.