The short answer?
Insurance complicates everything—and makes healthcare more expensive and less personal.
Let us explain.
Health Insurance Was Meant for the Big Stuff
Think of health insurance like car insurance. You don’t expect your auto policy to pay for oil changes or brake pads. You use it when something major happens—like an accident or a natural disaster.
Health insurance was originally designed the same way:
To protect you from catastrophic costs, like surgery or hospitalization.
But over time, insurance began covering routine care like doctor visits, labs, and basic medications. While that sounds helpful on the surface, it actually introduced a mountain of paperwork, billing codes, and middlemen—and those layers drive up the cost of care for everyone.
How Insurance Interferes with Your Care
When a clinic accepts insurance, the doctor has to:
Meet insurance company requirements before ordering labs, imaging, or meds
Follow "approved" treatment plans—even when they aren't the best option
See more patients in less time just to stay financially afloat
Hire extra staff just to handle billing, prior authorizations, and denials
This results in:
Short visits (often under 15 minutes)
Delayed care because of paperwork
Less time for listening, problem-solving, and prevention
And worst of all? You’re still paying more, even with insurance. A year’s membership for an individual is usually less than $1,500, compared to the average annual cost of $8,951 for a single coverage health insurance premium—or $25,572 for family coverage—according to the 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey.
Why We Don’t Accept Insurance—and What You Get Instead
At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we’ve opted out of the insurance treadmill so we can provide care that actually works—for you.
By not billing insurance, we can offer:
Same-day or next-day visits
Longer appointments (30–60 minutes, not 10), if needed
Transparent pricing—no surprise bills or hidden fees
Virtual care when you need it
Affordable labs, medications, and procedures—often cheaper than using insurance
Because we work directly for you—not the insurance company—we can focus on what actually helps you feel better and stay healthy.
Real Care, Not Red Tape
We believe healthcare should be simple, honest, and focused on your needs—not insurance company profits.
Our Direct Primary Care model restores that simplicity. You pay a flat monthly membership for unlimited access to care, and we take care of the rest.
No billing games.
No delays.
Just care that puts you first.
Curious what this looks like in real life? Learn how we’re helping local families and businesses thrive with better care.
⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.
Last Updated: June 29, 2025
