In August, Integrity Health Centers gave presentation to Northampton County Council for a health center that would provide primary care exclusive to county employees and possibly to retirees as well. County Council wanted to know whether a health center could actually reduce costs. Integrity Health Center returned on Wednesday to explain that a health center would not just be good for the workforce, but would save considerable money to the County as well.
Since 2014, Northampton County has imposed no increases in the co-pays of county employees. But medical costs continue to rise in a county that us self-insured. In the proposed budget, an increase of $6.5 million, or 28%, is projected. The total cost of medical care to county employees is estimated at nearly $30 million. A health center dedicated to county employees could reduce the cost of the county's medical care while improving the quality of health care offered.
Who Is Integrity Health? - According to its website, Integrity offers "customized, patient-centered, cost-effective health programs built on the wisdom of coordinated care." It operates at six locations in New Jersey, with a seventh nearing completion in Lycoming County. Its Chair is Doug Forrester, a former Republican candidate for the US Senate (2002) and Governor in New Jersey (2005). He founded Integrity after his daughter suffered a dramatic brain injury. From X-Rays to chronic disease management to routine lab tests, it offers extensive primary care.
How Does This Benefit Employees? - They and their dependents receive family-doctor style care whenever they feel the need. Visits occur strictly on a voluntary, no co-pay basis, with same-day visits. Based on what has occurred at his other employee health centers, Forrester projects 12,000 visits in the first year.
There is reduced waiting time, one-stop shopping and even claim advocacy for workers to ensure that health claims are adjudicated in accordance with the plan's requirements.
Before bringing this idea to Council, Executive Lamont McClure sent a survey to all county employees. Those who responded liked the idea. So did President Judge Michael Koury and DA Terry Houck.
How Does This Benefit the County? - In a lengthy memo to Council, Forrester projects a return on investment (ROI) between 1.8 and 2.2. "If the annual operating cost of the center were $100, that means health care costs would be between $180 and $220 lower. These ROIs have been determined by outside actuaries, not Forrester. By reducing health costs to the county, it can chip away at the substantial increases seen in the cost of health care.
According to Forrester, the cost of a health center would be about two percent of the county's budget for health care.
Will the Center Include Retirees? - According to Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron, that determination has yet to be made. That will likely affect the size of the building, currently projected at 8,400 sq ft.
Council Skepticism. - Council member Kerry Myers had a criticism, not of the idea itself, but the survey. Only 20% of the county workforce responded to the survey, which bothered him.
Council President Lori Vargo Heffner tried to suggest that a health center is akin to a new plan and should be rolled out with other plans. But she's mistaken. The health center would be a service like Teleadoc, and would be available regardless what plan an employee might have.
It should be noted that Vargo Heffner is employed by St. Luke's a possible competitor to this health center. She has recused herself from voting on hospital bonds and is at least arguably conflicted.
Council member John Goffredo criticized the project itself. Interestingly, Goffredo is the person who wanted to know the ROI. Having been provided with that information in detail, he switched his criticism to the $45 per hour salary of the RN, claiming it is too low in an area with hospitals that pay more. But Judy Lagana, herself a former hospital exec before joining Integrity, said these salaries are designed for nurses who desire a "work, life balance." She indicated there are less hours at a health center, as opposed to a hospital, and less pressure. She said she has experienced no turnover at Integrity's other locations, with the exception of receptionists.
Goffredo also called the idea a "luxury." And why not provide a luxury to a county workforce when it also saves the county (and its taxpayers) money? The real question is why there are so few of these health centers.
Council is doing its job and exercising oversight. But I believe that eventually, they will come to the same conclusion I have. It's a good idea, even though it comes from a Republican.
UPDATED 10 AM: Below is Integrity Health's Proposal and explanation of how this saves money.
NorCo Health Center by BernieOHare on Scribd
Out of curiosity where would this health center be located for the employees. The center of the County is Gracedale. Gracedale is half empty. Does this mean we have to go to the health center and we can't use our own family doctors? By the way, that nurse will be paid $45.00 an hour which translates to $90,000.00 (ninety thousand) dollars a year. That's not too shabby.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good idea to supplement our BS/BC medical coverage. We need to hear more. Do we get to see a real doctor or a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner? Where does the County get the money to pay for all this?
What a crock. This is a Barron/ McClure production. This hairbrained scheme is preposterous. It is all speculation and a lot of "ifs" and "possibles". The Lehigh Valley is blessed with great Healthcare systems, and these brain surgeons what th county to build its own health system? People realize this is the first step in McClures dream of a county Health Department. The startup costs of this thing alone are outrageous. How will you ever recoup that in a hundred years if ever.
ReplyDeleteObviously, you will praise anything Barron and McClure come up with, but this is such a bad idea, I am sure county Council will deep six it if it ever comes up for a vote. O'Hare you really outdid yourself for your boys by promoting this taxpayer $$$$ waste of a disaster.
They can just convert the juvenile justice center when that closes down.
ReplyDeleteTerrible idea being forwarded by the most terrible county council in history. These people stood by and did nothing while Gracedale was the deadliest nursing home in the state and one of the deadliest in the country. These lazy check cashers DIDN'T EVEN MEET for weeks while our elderly were being administratively executed. They cannot be trusted with anyone's health. They have dead elderly on their hands and they voted themselves a raise. What absolute demonic pieces of shit. This is a horrible idea being foisted on taxpayers by the most horrible cancers in the county.
ReplyDelete"Do we get to see a real doctor or a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner? Where does the County get the money to pay for all this?"
ReplyDeleteThere is a MD on staff, but I imagine who you see depends on the severity of your condition. The county money to pay for this comes from the taxpayer as well as whatever you contriute towards your medical care.
Barron told Council the county does have a location in mind, but declined to say publicly bc the price would go up.
"What a crock. This is a Barron/ McClure production. This hairbrained scheme is preposterous. It is all speculation and a lot of "ifs" and "possibles". "
ReplyDeleteThere is no speculation at all in this idea. I'm certain that county workers would love their own health center. I'm certain that health care costs rose significantly over the last year. I'm certain this will save the county money on a 1.8 to 2.2 ratio as confirmed by actuaries and the six places that already have a health center. Sometimes a good idea is just a good idea, and you need to drop your hate and evaluate this plan on the merits instead of through the lens of party or hate or jealousy.
" Does this mean we have to go to the health center and we can't use our own family doctors?" - NO. As I stated several times and as the memo makes even more clear, this health center is strictly voluntary. If you have a family doctor and are happy with him or her, you can continue using him. When he sends you for tests or to have a prescription filled, you can use the health center. If you have an emergency and he's closed, you can use the health center.
ReplyDelete"Terrible idea being forwarded by the most terrible county council in history. "
ReplyDeleteYou have failed to offer a single reason in support of your argument that this is a terrible idea.
This is the administration that refused to help with a pay study, refused to help with a Gracedale study yet now wants to build its own Patient First. Where is the startup money coming from? How much fluff is in the budget to pay for this thing. Employees won't get an honest pay study so McClure can have another building. Maybe get his name on it. You claim people should stop hating him maybe you should take of your love glasses and realize this is all talk and fluff numbers.
ReplyDeleteThe startup costs? The day-to-day costs? The fact you know you will see some nurse and never see a doctor. The fact that people have numerous choices in the area close to their homes, why would they drive miles to some McClure building for a sore throat, for a co-pay?
The county is short staffed and underpaid, and falling apart, yet you are once again the cheer leader for another ego project. Actuaries didn't guarantee anything and
Baron thinks he knows more than he does. A first step in compulsory use of center since that is the only way this thing pays for itself. The actuary plugged in number supplied to them. The number are generous to say the least. McClure is lucky his name isn't Tureck.
B.S.
ReplyDeleteThis is the typical playbook to start the privatization of medical care. I am not having it, they start by stating it a strictly voluntary program until they change the rules of the game. They are doing it because it better care, they’re doing it because it’s cheaper.
I for one am not interested!
Sounds a lot like” if you like your doctor you won’t lose your doctor “. Affordable healthcare plans is great. Lol
ReplyDeleteThank God County Council/commissioners will have a say in this proposed program. None of them are qualified to make a professional determination on the quality of care or the cost, so what they should do is hire someone to come on Board and look at this proposal. After an outside professional evaluation and receiving recommendations from their own consultant, then and only then, could they make a decision. This sounds like a lot of pie in the sky.
ReplyDeleteA slight hijack, Bernie, but it's about health and a follow up to another comment a bit ago. I was getting my flu and Covid booster shots at Giant yesterday. Thinking of you, I asked the pharmacist about the cost of the Shingles vaccine for Medicare recipients. He stated that he just got word that Medicare should be covering the cost of it in 2023. Hopefully, he's correct.
ReplyDelete"The county is short staffed and underpaid, and falling apart, "
ReplyDeleteBeen hearing this since Billy Penn was knee high to a grass hopper
Lamont is the worst exec every. Reibman is the worst exec ever. Gerry is the worst exec ever. Stoffa is the worst Exec ever. Hartzell is the worst exec ever. Brown is the worst Exec ever. (ok, the last one might be true...)
When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I have a bridge in the Sahara Desert I will sell you for a song. You, meaning the County, should learn from experience. Remember the millions of dollars we made on the "SWAPTION". How about the millions we made on the County ball park over on Mammy Morgans Hill. McClure is making a huge mistake. Remember, you read it here on Bernie's Blog first.
ReplyDeleteLittel Stevie Barron at 10:13, Instead of unfunny sarcasm why don't you boys drop the arrogance and actually realize that you are blowing it big time.
ReplyDeleteBe careful, I have heard nothing good about this organization. Check out their references. I can't believe the county would do this without checking into this in great detail. If what I heard is true, this company is not what we need in Northampton County
ReplyDeleteDon't worry annon 12:32, other than McClure's two rubber stamps on council and of course his PR blogger,O'Hare, no one else is buying into this scheme. The rest of county council is not interested. I hear they know what is going on. Time to fill positions as mandating is off the charts.
ReplyDelete"Be careful, I have heard nothing good about this organization. Check out their references. I can't believe the county would do this without checking into this in great detail. If what I heard is true, this company is not what we need in Northampton County"
ReplyDeleteAn anonymous attempt to slur this company that includes no link to any negative report, just "if what I heard is true.... "
I'll tell you what I've heard. I've heard that St. Luke's and LVHN are quite upset at the prospect of losing business and have already approached the county to promote their own health centers.
BO at 9:07, that makes sense. This administration is as sneaky as a silent fart and twice as odorous. Would not be surprised if they floated this idea just to bring the two health care giants to the table. Would McClure use this company to get what he wants, absolutely since these guys are ruthless. It really makes sense. It was clear this plan had no real support on County Council as it is preposterous and silly on its face.
ReplyDeleteCleave boys. Barron fed you the plan.
Sounds like another way to rip off Northampton County taxpayers. Where, oh where, is Ron Angle, our ferocious fiscal watchdog, when we need him?
ReplyDeleteTo your last closing statement, yes republicans do have some pretty good idea's kinda like when they thought to end slavery.
ReplyDeletewhy doesn't the County negotiate rates with an existing performing entity, ie Patient First. Why recreate the wheel? Also, who has been footing the bill for the health care cost increases for the last 8 years? Yeesh.
ReplyDeleteBecause Patient First would not be exclusive, would charge co-pays, would fail to offer the integrated health services that a county health center would offer, like health claim advocacy or behavioral health and would be unable to provide same-day appointments for routine matters.
ReplyDeleteWho has been footing the bill for annual plan increases? The taxpayer. This will reduce these increases substantially.
"This will reduce these increases substantially"
ReplyDeleteIf you think that costs of health care increases will somehow magically disappear within this closed shop, I have a bridge to sell you. Stop using the save the taxpayer game to support McClures silly plan. Unless employees are forced to use it the scheme makes no sense. McClure screamed that county council was wasting taxpayer money for cheap studies and now he wants a multi-million-dollar county Heathcare center that no one has to use. Whose bed is getting feathered with this. Neither taxpayers nor employees need or want this.
It's not a "closed shop," but a health center that caters to county employees. And yes, as the memo that you failed to read makes clear, it has saved considerable money at the six locations where it exits. I understand the healthy skepticism expressed by Council. That is their job. But you are just disclosing your own ignorance.
ReplyDeleteJust another Hairbrain idea from McClure. Give employees a good raise and hire employees where needed before spending money on a health Center. Would he put Charlie Tuna in charge of it?
ReplyDelete