As Open Enrollment for health insurance officially kicks off on November 1, 2026, and voters weigh the future of healthcare policy ahead of upcoming elections, Northern Michigan is taking a monumental step toward healthcare freedom. This November 1 marks the second annual National Direct Primary Care (DPC) Day, highlighting a rapidly growing movement of practices like Table Health that are redefining the patient experience by offering direct, transparent, and relationship-driven primary care to families and employers across the Traverse City and Petoskey regions.
With healthcare costs continuing to surge, averaging over $25,000 annually for a typical family-coverage policy, and health insurance deductibles climbing out of reach, patients are facing unprecedented financial strain. As open enrollment discussions peak and national policy debates take center stage this election season, consumers are actively searching for relief from complex copays, hidden fees, and administrative red tape.
National DPC Day provides a timely roadmap. By bypassing traditional insurance middlemen for primary care, the DPC model delivers substantial independent cost savings. When paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or health-sharing arrangements such as Sedera, families and businesses can slash their overall healthcare expenditures by 30% to 50% while actually upgrading the quality, depth, and accessibility of their care. Furthermore, recent legislative momentum allowing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to be used for Direct Primary Care starting January 1st makes this financial pivot even more advantageous.
“November 1 is more than just the start of Open Enrollment, it’s the continuation of a vital conversation about financial and personal autonomy in healthcare,” said Jill Butryn, MD, Owner and Founder of Table Health. “National DPC Day invites everyone to imagine a healthcare system built on trust, transparency, and choice. With recent legislative changes allowing HSAs to be used for Direct Primary Care, now is the perfect time for Northern Michigan patients to explore how DPC protects their health and their wallets.”
Operating with locations in both Petoskey and Traverse City, Table Health is a pioneer in the regional healthcare landscape. The practice puts the patient-physician relationship back at the center of care, removing traditional insurance barriers. Instead, members pay a straightforward, flat monthly membership fee (ranging from $57 to $99 per month), which covers comprehensive annual health assessments, unhurried and unlimited doctor visits, and wholesale-discounted lab and common prescription costs.
“In a traditional practice, it’s nearly impossible to tell patients how much their visit or procedure will cost until weeks later,” explains Dr. Andrea Stoecker, DO, a Primary Care Physician at Table Health in Traverse City. “At Table Health, patients know exactly what they’re paying for. It removes so much stress and financial confusion.”
“Time is the magic element,” explains Dr. Amy Bodnarchuk. MD, a Primary Care Physician at Table Health in Petoskey. “With fewer patients and longer visits, I can truly get to know my patients, understand their health stories, and practice preventative medicine that keeps them from expensive urgent care visits and emergency rooms.”
Table Health’s commitment to holistic, patient-centered care has recently expanded with the addition of Dr. Megan Stilwill, DO, who joined the Traverse City practice as its first pediatrician in 2025.
“As a board-certified osteopathic pediatrician, I’m driven by a deep passion for child development and holistic wellness,” Dr. Stilwill said. “DPC pediatrics allows us to spend quality time together, building a relationship of trust and understanding to truly address a child’s unique needs within the context of their family and community.”
The financial and operational value of the DPC model is increasingly recognized by local Grand Traverse and Petoskey area businesses looking to escape skyrocketing group health insurance premiums. Table Health has partnered with forward-thinking regional employer groups, including TentCraft, who recognize the transformative potential of DPC for employee recruitment, retention, and workplace health benefits. By pairing a robust DPC membership with alternative funding or health-sharing solutions, local employers are able to offer stellar benefits while regaining control over their bottom lines.
National DPC Day is a celebration of healthcare freedom, consumer advocacy, and public education. Beyond primary care, Table Health offers integrated mental health services, functional medicine, clinical nutrition, and bodywork wellness services, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care under one roof.
“This movement is only gaining momentum,” Dr. Butryn adds. “National DPC Day is a powerful reminder that there is a sustainable, cost-effective path forward that puts patients and physicians back in control.”
Learn more about how DPC can transform healthcare for individuals, families, and employers across Northern Michigan, visit tablehealth.com.