Open enrollment is here, and for many Coloradans, choosing healthcare coverage feels more complicated than ever.
Between rising premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and out-of-pocket expenses, finding the right balance between affordable coverage and accessible care isn't always easy.
But what if choosing health insurance was only part of the equation?
More individuals, families, and employers are exploring Direct Primary Care (DPC) as a way to make everyday healthcare simpler, more personal, and more predictable.
And Colorado is helping lead that shift.
Colorado's Healthcare Landscape Is Changing
Healthcare affordability remains a major consideration heading into 2027.
According to the Colorado Division of Insurance, approved premiums in the state's individual health insurance market will increase by an average of 10% in 2027. While that's below the reported national median increase of 15%, it still gives Coloradans a reason to review their options carefully.
And insurance premiums are only one piece of the picture.
Deductibles, copays, provider networks, and access to appointments all affect what healthcare actually costs you, both financially and personally.
That's where Direct Primary Care offers a different approach.
What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care is a membership-based approach to healthcare that focuses on the relationship between you and your physician.
Instead of billing insurance for individual primary care visits, DPC practices typically charge a predictable membership fee that covers a defined range of primary care services.
At Direct Osteopathic Primary Care (DOPC), that means:
More time with your physician
Easier access to appointments and ongoing care
A focus on prevention and long-term wellness
Predictable membership costs
A physician who knows your health history and goals
DPC isn't health insurance. It can work alongside many insurance plans, allowing insurance to help cover services such as hospitalizations, specialist care, and other medical expenses outside your membership.
The goal isn't necessarily to replace your coverage. It's to make your everyday healthcare work better.
The Numbers: Why Direct Primary Care Is Growing
Direct Primary Care is becoming an increasingly established option across the country.
According to Hint Health's 2026 Direct Primary Care Trends Report, which analyzed data covering more than 1.4 million members and 2,700 clinicians, the movement has experienced substantial growth.
837% Growth
DPC membership per capita grew 837% nationally between 2017 and 2025.
More Than Half
A majority of active DPC memberships in the report are now employer-funded, showing how businesses are incorporating DPC into employee benefits.
50 States
DPC practices now operate in all 50 states, expanding access to membership-based primary care.
These trends reflect growing interest in a healthcare model centered on physician relationships, accessible care, and more predictable primary care spending.
Colorado Is Helping Lead the DPC Movement
Colorado stands out as one of the states with a strong concentration of Direct Primary Care membership.
For Colorado families, DPC offers an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with a physician rather than relying exclusively on traditional appointment-based care.
For employers, it creates another option for providing meaningful healthcare benefits while managing costs.
And for patients who want to be more proactive about their health, it offers something that's often difficult to find: time.
Time to ask questions. Time to discuss concerns. Time to focus on preventing problems rather than only responding when something goes wrong.
Why Consider DPC During Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is an opportunity to look beyond your monthly insurance premium and consider how you'll actually use healthcare throughout the year. Here are three questions worth asking:
1. Am I Getting the Care I Need?
Having insurance doesn't always mean getting convenient access to primary care.
If you've delayed appointments, struggled to find time for preventive visits, or wished you had more time with your physician, DPC may offer a better experience.
2. Am I Balancing Coverage and Cost?
Some individuals and families explore pairing DPC with a health insurance plan that covers larger medical expenses.
The right combination depends on your health needs, budget, insurance options, and expected healthcare use.
It's important to compare the full cost of your insurance premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and DPC membership before making changes.
3. Could My Employer Offer Something Different?
Small businesses are increasingly exploring DPC as an employee benefit.
With predictable membership pricing and access to ongoing primary care, DPC can complement existing employer coverage and give employees another way to manage their health.
For businesses looking to support their teams without adding unnecessary complexity, it's an option worth exploring.
Finding the Right Balance for Your Health
Choosing healthcare isn't just about finding the lowest premium or the plan with the most benefits.
It's about finding the right balance between financial protection, access to care, and having a physician you trust.
At Direct Osteopathic Primary Care, we believe healthcare should be personal, proactive, and built around you.
As you review your options this open enrollment season, consider whether your current healthcare experience is giving you what you need.
Ready to Explore a Different Approach to Primary Care?
Whether you're considering DPC for yourself, your family, or your employees, we're here to help you understand how membership works and how it might fit alongside your insurance coverage.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DOPC MEMBERSHIP →
EXPLORE SMALL BUSINESS HEALTHCARE OPTIONS →
SOURCES:
Colorado Division of Insurance — 2027 Premium Increases. Supports the 10% average individual-market increase.
2026 Direct Primary Care Trends Report. Supports the 837% membership growth figure and employer adoption trends.
Connect for Health Colorado — 2027 Open Enrollment Information. Confirms open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.