If you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or a family in Middle Tennessee, you’ve likely felt the “insurance squeeze.” Every year, premiums go up, yet your access to a doctor seems to go down.
For many in the Hendersonville and Nashville area, traditional health insurance has become a “catastrophic-only” plan with a monthly price tag of a mortgage payment. When deductibles sit between $7,500 and $10,000, you’re essentially paying for everything out of pocket anyway.
At Blue Ocean Direct Primary Care, we’ve seen patients opt out of coverage entirely because the math simply doesn’t work. But going “uninsured” is a massive risk. That’s why we recommend a smarter alternative: The DPC + Healthshare Strategy.
What is the “Power Couple” Strategy?
Most people don’t realize that 80-90% of medical needs—from chronic disease management and stitches to mental health and urgent care—can be handled right here at Blue Ocean DPC.
By pairing a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership with a high-quality Healthshare, you create a total care solution that is often 40-60% cheaper than a traditional PPO or HMO.
The DPC Layer (Your “Everyday” Care)
With a DPC membership at Blue Ocean, you get unlimited access to your doctor with no co-pays and no hidden fees. We handle the preventative, routine, and acute care that keeps you out of the ER.
The Healthshare Layer (Your “Big Bill” Protection)
For the other 10-20% of life—hospitalizations, major surgeries, or emergency room visits—you use a Healthshare. Unlike traditional insurance with confusing “co-insurance” percentages, Healthshares (like Zion HealthShare) use an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA).
The Math: Traditional Insurance vs. The DPC Model
Let’s look at the numbers for a typical individual or small business in Sumner County:
| Feature | Traditional High-Deductible Plan | DPC + Healthshare Model |
| Deductible/IUA | $7,500 – $10,000 | $1,250, $2,500, or $5,000 |
| Co-Insurance | Usually 20% after deductible | 0% (The bill is paid in full after IUA) |
| Primary Care | Limited visits, high co-pays | Unlimited visits, $0 co-pay |
| Monthly Cost | High and rising | Typically 40-60% lower |
Meet Your Local Strategy Experts
Building these plans requires a licensed expert who understands the nuances of the Tennessee market. That is where our referral partner, Tara Lofley at Blue Ocean Employer Benefits, comes in.
As a licensed health insurance agent with an MBA, Tara specializes in “disrupting” the standard insurance model. She works with individuals and businesses to build highly customizable plans that can include:
- Zion HealthShare for major medical needs.
- Planstin for administrative ease and preventive care.
- ACA-compliant Preventive Plans with HSA compatibility.
Whether you are a solo contractor in Hendersonville or a business owner in Gallatin looking to provide benefits without breaking the bank, Tara can design a “financial wrapper” that fits perfectly with your Blue Ocean DPC membership.
Protect Your Health and Your Wallet
You shouldn’t have to choose between going broke and going without a doctor. By moving away from the “big insurance” machine and utilizing local, direct care combined with modern sharing models, you can finally take control of your healthcare.
Ready to see the math for yourself?
- Step 1: Join Blue Ocean DPC for your clinical care.
- Step 2: Schedule a consult with Blue Ocean Employer Benefits to build your customized financial protection plan.