October 2025 Financial Planning Update

Welcome to our October 2025 Financial Planning Update on concierge medicine and the first tax break coming in 2026.

What is Concierge Medicine?

For those of you who have not yet heard of Concierge medicine, we have seen it commonly marketed as bringing health care “back to what it used to be”. The idea here is that this removes call centers, rushed appointments, and waiting weeks to see your doctor and replaces that experience with longer, more in-depth visits, faster access, and a stronger relationship with your physician. This is all funded by a monthly membership fee, which typically replaces traditional insurance billing for primary care. These fees allow doctors to maintain a smaller patient base, meaning they can be more available and more focused on your care.

Under this model, patients pay a flat monthly or annual fee (usually between $100 and $300) for ongoing access to a physician or practice. In return, they generally receive unlimited primary care visits, same- or next-day appointments, direct communication with their doctor, and a stronger emphasis on preventive care. However, this fee typically does not cover services such as lab work, prescriptions, specialist consultations, or procedures involving anesthesia.

So, why are we writing about it this month?

A recent tax provision from the One Big Beautiful Bipartisan Act (OBBBA) could make this model slightly more accessible. Beginning January 1, 2026, this provision will allow Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to be used for concierge membership, also known as Direct Primary Care (DPC), fees. This adds a potential tax advantage, but also comes with a handful of stipulations:

To qualify as a tax-free HSA expense:

• You must be enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan.
• Providers must meet specified criteria, such as providing only primary care services. Providers who offer labs, prescriptions, and procedures involving general anesthesia are not currently qualified.
• Monthly fee limits apply: up to $150 for individuals or $300 for families. If your fee exceeds the cap, none of it is eligible.

This new flexibility isn’t just about tax savings. It’s about investing in consistent, proactive access to care that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. For those who fully use the service, especially in demanding careers or underserved areas, the value can be significant. But for others, especially those who rarely seek care, it may feel like a luxury with limited return.

Supporters of concierge medicine argue that better access and stronger physician relationships can reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations. For busy professionals, business owners, or people managing chronic conditions, the convenience and quality of care may justify the cost. And for those already maxing out HSA contributions, applying those funds toward high-quality care adds a compelling incentive.

Still, the model isn’t for everyone. We know the Concierge Medicine movement has people who support it AND oppose it for various societal reasons. You’ll still need traditional insurance for non-primary care needs, which means potentially paying for both concierge care and a separate plan.

And while the law now allows a narrowed version of HSA use for DPC, employers and insurers aren’t required to support it, so adoption may take time. If you’re healthy and already getting regular care through your insurance network, concierge medicine may be an unnecessary expense, even if it is a qualified non-taxable distribution from an HSA.

If you value access, continuity, and control in your care, and you’re already contributing to an HSA, concierge medicine may be worth exploring. As with any investment, it comes down to your personal needs, usage patterns, and long-term goals.