Offered through nonprofit associations, regional plans and specialized insurers, among others.

• Profits reinvested to lower premiums

• Higher patient satisfaction

Part-time employees at select companies are eligible for health insurance.

• Companies offering part-timers health benefits include FedEx, Starbucks, Lowe’s

• Benefits begin after a waiting period or working a minimum number of hours

• Cost: likely higher premiums for medical, dental and vision insurance

Routine screenings can detect health issues early and prevent or delay the progression of illness and the need for costlier, complex care.

• Patients pay a flat monthly fee to a provider for membership and receive basic primary care services

• Patients pay extra for advanced care

• DPC is often paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a health insurance plan to offset the cost of medications or emergency hospitalization

• Average cost: $100 per month

Medically equipped buses, vans and trailers bring healthcare to individuals.

CVS Project Health

• Hosts free health screening events nationwide

• No insurance required

• Ideal for rural patients or those with limited access to transportation

• Cost: free

Remote Area Medical

• Mobile pop-up clinics offer dental (fillings, cleanings), vision (eye exams and glaucoma tests), preventive (diabetes screenings) and general medical care

• Cost: free

Nonprofit organizations run by volunteer health professionals and funded by donations. 

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)

• Offers primary care, chronic disease management, mental health services and family planning

• Volunteer health professionals serve the uninsured and underinsured

• Cost: free or nominal

Free screenings can identify health concerns early and prompt patients to see a provider.

• Receive screenings for blood pressure, glucose, mammograms, cervical cancers, hearing and more

• Learn about wellness and healthcare resources

• Cost: free

Reduce healthcare costs through a direct sharing model. Health-sharing programs do not operate as insurance.

Medi-Share

Liberty Healthshare

Samaritan Ministries

Redeem Healthshare

• Members’ monthly fees directly support other members’ medical expenses, including maternity care, hospital stays and prescriptions

• Cost: starts at $91 per month

Overcome barriers to healthcare access, such as cost, lack of insurance and distance.

Health Resources and Services Administration Health Center Program

• A focus on the healthcare needs of the community

• Cost: based on income and family size

Some prescription medications can be obtained more affordably than through insurance.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company

• Offers transparent pricing

• Save up to 80% on medications

Health Warehouse

• Save on prescription costs, over-the-counter drugs, home medical supplies and more

GoodRX

• Offers free coupons that discount the cost of prescription medicines

Also known as co-op health plans, health cooperatives operate as nonprofits, which keeps costs low. Plans not available in all regions.

• Offer affordable coverage

• Flexibility in choosing providers

• Ideal for small business owners and the self-employed

Technology revolutionizes how doctors provide and patients receive care.

Doctronic AI

• Connects patients with human doctors 24/7.

• Chat with Doctronic AI for general medical support.

• Consult with a licensed doctor via video for prescriptions and individualized medical care.

• Access care with or without insurance

• Cost: free to chat with Doctronic AI

• Cost: $39 per video visit with a human physician 

Doctor On Demand

• 24/7 urgent care availability

• Use with or without insurance

• Cost: starts at $99 per visit

Nothing is more effective in lowering healthcare costs than maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Eat nutritiously and hydrate

• Exercise regularly

• Get quality sleep

• Cost: free