Question 1

What is direct primary care, and how is it different from concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership model: a flat monthly fee replaces insurance billing for primary care, giving you longer visits, direct messaging, and no copays. Concierge medicine typically charges a high annual retainer and still bills your insurance. DPC removes the insurance layer entirely, which is what makes Aspen Health affordable and simple.

Question 2

How much does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Aspen Health has three plans: Core ($100/month, adults 21+), Premium ($150/month, adults 21+), and Youth ($50/month, ages 6-20). A one-time onboarding fee applies ($300 adults, $100 youth), charged with your first month at enrollment. Membership requires a 6-month minimum, then continues month-to-month.

Question 3

Do I still need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, keep it. Aspen Health is your primary care home, not insurance. Your membership covers everyday primary care: visits, messaging, and ongoing access. You'll still use insurance for hospitals, the ER, specialists, imaging, and prescriptions.

Question 4

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As of January 1, 2026, federal law confirms DPC membership fees are HSA-eligible, subject to a monthly cap of $150 per individual. Both Core and Premium fall within that cap. We can provide documentation if your HSA/FSA administrator requires it.

Question 5

Do you bill insurance, or accept Medicare/Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

We don't bill insurance for membership, which is what lets us offer longer visits and direct access with no copays. Aspen has opted out of Medicare and Medicaid billing, but you're welcome to join regardless of status. We can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement if your plan allows.

Question 6

What's included in my membership?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited fair-use visits in-person and video, unlimited secure messaging, rapid in-office testing, group education sessions, and access to health coaching. Most routine labs, imaging, and prescriptions are referred to third parties and billed directly by them, often at discounted cash-pay member rates.

Question 7

How fast can I be seen, and how do I reach Dr. Benson?

Accepted Answer

Urgent visits are generally available within 24 hours most days. You can message your doctor directly through the secure portal, with responses typically the same business day and no later than 72 hours. Messaging isn't monitored overnight or weekends.

Question 8

Do you offer telemedicine, and where?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Benson offers secure video visits for patients physically located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. At least one in-person visit per year is strongly encouraged for best care.

Question 9

What conditions do you treat, and what's your approach?

Accepted Answer

Aspen is a full primary care home with a focus on lifestyle-responsive and chronic issues: weight and metabolic health, gut health, thyroid and hormones, cardiometabolic risk, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, sleep, allergies, and mental health, plus routine preventive care. Treatment starts with lifestyle, adding medication when clinically needed.

Question 10

Do you prescribe medications and order labs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Benson prescribes when clinically indicated and manages chronic-condition medications, filled at your pharmacy of choice. Routine labs are referred to certified third-party labs; rapid in-office tests are included.

Question 11

What if I need a specialist, hospital care, or imaging?

Accepted Answer

Those run through your insurance, as in any practice. Dr. Benson helps arrange referrals, shares clinical context with specialists, and follows up on results. Members also have access to discounted cash-pay imaging and lab referrals through network partners.

Question 12

How do I cancel, and what's the commitment?

Accepted Answer

Membership requires a 6-month minimum commitment. After that, it's month-to-month and cancellable with 30 days notice. Early cancellation within the first six months requires paying the remaining balance. If you rejoin after cancelling, a $300 re-onboarding fee applies.

Why Your Annual Physical Isn't Enough

Central NJ Residents: Your HSA Can Now Cover Direct Primary Care