New Concept providing affordable employee healthcare developed by Austin firm is recommended as a solution for the Uninsured in Texas...MDplans

Austin, Texas - The Texas Health Institute just released their report on the uninsured in Texas. The report, “A Vision for Change: Policy Solutions for Increasing Health Coverage in Texas”, provides policymakers and stake- holders at all levels a selection of cost-effective and workable policy solutions to deploy when solving the issue facing more than 5.6 million Texans. MDplans of Austin, TX spent two years developing the concept of Prepaid Medical Plans, which are mentioned in the report, which utilize a proven ‘large’ employer solution to the average small employer. In the last decade many large employers have begun to provide Onsite Medical Clinics for employees. This cost efficient method of providing basic routine healthcare for employees is quickly gaining in popularity nationwide. Employers cut expenses for care by directly contracting with medical providers and reducing administrative cost. But, for an Onsite Clinic to be affordable, it requires at least 750 employees. MDplans has taken this concept and structured a program whereby any size employer could utilize this method of saving on healthcare cost.“We offer three programs for employers depending on their need” said Fred Terlaak, Company Founder. “For truly large employers, we can set up a clinic onsite. If we have several Mid-sized employers in an area, we can set up a Near-site Clinic with shared use for the employees from more than one company. For small employers of any size, we contract with existing clinics to provide basic health care for employees. After analyzing claims data on 1000’s of employees it became clear that most employees get their medical needs met in a clinic. MDplans offers those services only at about 10-15% of the cost of traditional group insurance. Large employers typically see a 25% reduction in claims expense.”MDplans is careful to point out that Prepaid Medical Plans are not insurance and not intended to replace insurance. As the report mentioned however, it can provide a valuable benefit to employees by firms who cannot afford any other coverage. The plan for small employers without current health coverage includes; PPO Network Discount program for services outside of the clinic, Dental and Vision Discount program, Prescription Drug Discounts and a 24 Hour Nurse Helpline Service. These latter programs are also provided to all family members at no additional cost.According to Kaiser Foundation Studies, preventable illnesses and medical conditions comprise approximately 80% of the burden of illness and 90% of all healthcare costs. By providing a simple doctor’s office visit to employees for routine care, employers can help keep workers healthy and productive. Early diagnosis of most diseases can greatly reduce or eliminate the high cost of delayed treatment.Employers and interested medical providers are encouraged to visit http://www.mdplans.com/ for additional details. Complete text of the report: “A Vision for Change: Policy Solutions for Increasing Health Coverage in Texas” is available at http://www.texashealthinstitute.org/