Are there ways to design around affordability for lower-wage employees (e.g., low copay clinics, direct primary care add-ons)?

Yes. The best way to make healthcare affordable for lower-wage employees is to remove financial barriers and make everyday care easy to access. When care is simple and cost-free at the point of use, employees stay healthier, and overall costs go down.

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Here are proven ways to design smarter for affordability:

• Build primary care into every plan: Include $0 access to virtual or in-home visits, prescriptions, and preventive screenings as standard, not as an add-on. Eliminating co-pays and deductibles for primary and mental health care encourages early use and prevents costly ER visits.

• Use “first-dollar” coverage models: Models like direct primary care (DPC) or Vitable’s primary-care-first approach cover care upfront, not after a deductible. This gives employees immediate access to trusted care and gives employers predictable, flat-rate pricing.
• Combine MEC or ICHRA for flexibility: Pairing either with a built-in primary care solution like Vitable ensures everyone can get everyday care without cost barriers.
  
  • MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage): Meets ACA requirements and covers preventive care at a low cost. 
  • ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement): Lets employees choose their own plan while employers reimburse a fixed, tax-free amount. 
• Add affordable financial protection: Voluntary options like hospital indemnity, accident, or critical illness coverage help employees prepare for emergencies without increasing employer premiums.
• Simplify access with virtual or nearby clinics: On-site or virtual care options save time and make it easier for hourly or remote workers to get the care they need.

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Vitable was designed to make high-quality healthcare affordable for everyday workers. Every plan includes:

• $0 primary care visits (virtual or in-home)
• $0 mental health support
• No co-pays or deductibles
• Simple, predictable pricing for employers

This structure helps lower-wage employees access care without fear of cost, while keeping benefits sustainable for your business.

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Affordability isn’t about offering less, it’s about removing barriers. Start with built-in, $0 primary care, then layer flexible options like MEC, ICHRA, or voluntary add-ons. When employees can access care easily and without surprise bills, they stay healthier, more engaged, and more loyal.