HSA Secure vs DPC Direct – Which Is the Better Health Sharing Choice?

What Is HSA Secure?

HSA Secure offers a smart solution by combining the benefits of a Health Savings Account (HSA) with comprehensive health sharing options.

This plan allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses while gaining access to a supportive health sharing community that helps manage unexpected healthcare costs.

How Does HSA Secure Work?

HSA Secure is a low-cost health sharing plan. But it also contains a special component – called a MEC, or “minimum essential coverage”, which is HSA qualified.

This allows you to put pre-tax money in an HSA to pay for future medical expenses!

The money you contribute to your HSA grows tax-free and rolls over each year, ensuring that you’re building a safety net for future medical expenses.

Even better, after age 65, your HSA funds can be used for retirement expenses—tax-free if spent on qualified healthcare services.

If you’re someone who values planning ahead and reducing healthcare costs, HSA Secure could be the ideal fit. Plus, there are no network restrictions, giving you the freedom to choose the best care without limitations.

HSA Secure isn’t just a health-sharing plan—it’s a strategic way to manage your healthcare costs while building a secure financial future.

What Is DPC Direct?

If you’re looking for a healthcare solution that offers unlimited access to primary care without the hassles of insurance, DPC Direct might be the perfect fit.

This plan follows the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, which focuses on a direct relationship between patients and their healthcare providers through a simple membership-based approach.

How Does DPC Direct Work?

DPC Direct is for people who have a membership with a local DPC.

The DPC will provide all preventive and primary care, usually for a very low monthly fee, regardless of how often you need to see the doctor.

DPC Direct will then pay for medical services that are not provided by your DPC, such as hospitalization, surgery, or emergency room visits.

This allows you to focus on your health without worrying about co-pays or surprise bills for primary care, or larger bills for hospitalization or surgery. 

This combination of primary care and health sharing is ideal for individuals and families looking for predictable healthcare costs and comprehensive cost-sharing for both routine and unexpected medical needs.

Cost Comparison: HSA Secure vs DPC Direct—Which Plan Fits Your Budget?

Choosing between HSA Secure vs DPC Direct often comes down to one key factor—cost.

Both options provide affordable alternatives to traditional health insurance, but they work in very different ways.

The right choice depends on what matters most to you—saving for future medical needs or having easy access to your primary care doctor and predictable healthcare expenses each month.

With HSA Secure, you set aside funds in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for qualified medical expenses. This approach offers valuable tax advantages and gives you financial flexibility.

However, there’s a catch—you must first pay an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) before cost-sharing benefits begin.

On the other hand, DPC Direct works for people who receive their primary care from a local DPC. The DPC Direct healthshare plan pays for additional medical expenses not included in the DPC membership, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and emergency room visits.

Which Plan Is More Budget-friendly?

Eligibility and Membership Requirements for HSA Secure vs DPC Direct

Thinking about signing up for HSA Secure or DPC Direct, but not sure if you qualify?

Well, that’s a very common question!

Choosing the right plan isn’t just about the benefits—it’s about knowing if you meet the eligibility requirements and what conditions apply.

Whether you’re looking for tax savings or easy access to healthcare, understanding these requirements can help you avoid surprises down the road.

HSA Secure Eligibility

HSA Secure is available to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, or small business owners.

You do not need an existing HDHP to enroll, because HSA Secure already includes a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) insurance component that makes it HSA-qualified under IRS rules. This allows you to contribute to a Health Savings Account.

U.S. residency is required, and there’s a 36-month phased sharing limit for pre-existing conditions.

DPC Direct Eligibility

DPC Direct is available to U.S. residents and works in tandem with a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership.

To benefit from this plan, you must already have or be willing to join and pay separately for a DPC provider, as DPC Direct only pays for non-primary care expenses through its healthshare component.

Like HSA Secure, it includes a 36-month lookback period for pre-existing conditions, and it does not require any existing insurance to enroll.

Still feeling confused?

Compare your health sharing options today—find out which plan fits your needs best!

Ideal Use Cases: Which Plan Is Right for You?

Trying to decide between HSA Secure vs DPC Direct?

The right plan depends on what you need most—long-term savings or simple, predictable access to care. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for convenient primary care, understanding which plan aligns with your lifestyle can make all the difference.

HSA Secure is Best For

If you’re looking to save on healthcare expenses while enjoying tax advantages, HSA Secure might be the perfect fit. It’s designed for individuals and families who want financial control and flexibility.

DPC Direct is Best For

DPC Direct is perfect for individuals who already have a DPC membership or those looking to join one.

Your DPC will take care of your family’s preventive care, checkups, and routine doctor visits, while DPC Direct takes care of additional medical expenses such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.

Limitations and Considerations of HSA Secure vs DPC Direct

Every healthcare plan comes with its trade-offs, and HSA Secure vs DPC Direct is no exception.

While both offer great benefits, it’s important to know what they don’t pay for—or where they might fall short—before making a decision.

The right choice depends on how well each plan fits into your healthcare routine and financial goals.

HSA Secure requires self-employment and includes phased sharing for pre-existing conditions, while DPC Direct excludes primary care costs and depends on a separate membership—both plans have IUAs and don’t guarantee sharing for every medical expense.