This page was last updated on August 16, 2011.
Use clinics to cut costs; Lisa Biancucci; Beaver County Times; August 14, 2011.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“Why don’t large companies open free health clinics for employees to cut down on medical costs?”
[RWC] I worked for a “large compan[y]” that did this to a small extent for employees, but not for employee families. The onsite medical office existed primarily to deal with onsite emergencies, provide physical examinations, etc., but would deal with non-work issues to the extent they could.
“They offer exercise rooms, cafeterias, and big phone and account discounts. Why not health care? Clinics would be able to set broken bones, stitch cuts, and maybe perform certain outpatient surgeries.
“Sure would give local hospitals a run for their money.”
[RWC] There are at least two major problems. First, the employer would still have the expense of providing medical insurance. Outside of a hospital, no employer could afford to have the equivalent of an onsite hospital at one facility, let alone at every company office. And what about when the employee/family is nowhere near the facility, on vacations, et cetera? Second, potential lawsuits.
“And, I’m sure that these large companies would somehow find a tax loophole to pay for it all.”
[RWC] The “loophole” would be existing tax law that allows businesses to deduct business expenses, as is the case for medical insurance.
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