Working as a groom means long hours, early mornings, and always putting the horses first. When was the last time you saw a doctor for yourself, without waiting weeks, paying hundreds out of pocket, or squeezing it in on your only day off?
What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a simple, affordable healthcare model where you pay your doctor directly, usually a flat monthly fee (like a Netflix subscription, but for your health). There are no insurance headaches and no surprise bills. Memberships typically include:
- An expert advocate to help you navigate the healthcare maze
- Preventative and acute care
- Same-day or next-day appointments (whether in person or virtually)
- Text/email access for quick questions
- Low or no-cost labs and prescriptions
- Care that fits your schedule
Photo Courtesy of Erin Gilmore
It’s important to note that direct primary care is not health insurance and doesn’t cover services outside the clinic you’re enrolled in, so things like ER visits, specialist care, or hospital stays are not covered by DPC. Many DPC members pair their membership with a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan, or a health share, to make sure they’re protected when unexpected medical needs arise. And starting January 1, 2025, you’ll be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for DPC membership tax-free, making it an even more affordable option. To read more about Health Savings Accounts, go to Dr. Sara Kepple’s website.
Why It’s a Great Fit for U.S. Based Horse Grooms
- You can text your doctor while mucking stalls, or jump into a virtual visit from the tack room.
- No need to take a whole day off to wait in a clinic.
- It’s predictable and affordable—even without insurance.
- Your doctor knows you personally and understands your busy life as a groom.
Photo courtesy of KIND Media
Talking to Your Employer About It
Many barns already provide housing or other benefits for staff — access to healthcare can be a smart addition. Here’s how to bring it up:
- Do the math: A DPC membership often costs less than $100/month on average, way cheaper than traditional insurance, and much more useful for everyday needs.
- Talk about retention: Good benefits help barns keep good staff. Happy, healthy grooms stick around.
- Pitch it as a perk: The cost of membership for their employees could be tax-deductible for employers who provide it, and it shows they value their team’s wellbeing.
- Bring info: Come prepared with local DPC options, costs, and how it works. Check out the DPC Mapper for options, or check out our curated list.
- Click here to download a one-pager explaining DPC that could be handed off to your employer.
If you’d like to learn more, go to DPC Nation, contact Dr. Sara Kepple via her website, or contact our in-house HorseGrooms physician, Dr. Michele Hollis, in the HorseGrooms Community or via her website.
Dr. Sara Kepple is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and founder of Prosperity Family Medicine, a Direct Primary Care practice in Virginia. A Northern Virginia native, she studied neuroscience at George Mason University, earned her medical degree from VCOM in Blacksburg, and completed her family medicine residency in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Before medical school, she spent a year working as a horse trainer in Middleburg, an experience that shaped her holistic approach to care. Dr. Kepple provides primary care for patients of all ages, combining osteopathic training, lifestyle guidance, and personalized attention. Dr. Kepple is a member of the medical advisory committee for the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation. Outside her practice, she enjoys foxhunting, eventing, gardening, and caring for her farm animals.
