Six St. Louis unions already on board with the service
By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent
One of the biggest barriers Americans face is access to primary care when they need it.
In fact, the average wait to see a primary care doctor is 60 to 90 days, forcing many to resort to higher-cost care from urgent care centers and emergency rooms. However, Everside Health is working to change that for local union members and their families.
Everside provides members same and next-day access to direct primary care providers – and is funded entirely by a flat fee paid by participating unions for their insured members. The program is available to union members in addition to their current healthcare plan so they can see their own doctors if they choose.
Additionally, members typically incur no copays or deductibles when they go to see an Everside provider, and some generic medicines, routine diagnostic tests, labs and immunizations are also typically included free-of-charge.
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS
“I think the biggest difference the union member gets is we offer same day or next day primary care appointments,” said Ryan Moore, an Everside representative. “Plus, they get to spend time with the doctor. The national average time spent with a provider is seven minutes. Our doctors average about 45 minutes with each patient.”
Several union representatives toured the Everside Health clinic in Florissant June 7 to learn more about primary care and mental healthcare services available to their members. They were able to meet with the doctor and Everside representatives who explained how the program works.
AETNA AND A DIRECT PRIMARY CARE SOLUTION WITH EVERSIDE
The union representatives also learned about how Everside and Aetna are working toward developing a new relationship in St. Louis. Aetna is looking to integrate with Everside Health to deliver improved health outcomes to its members.
“We have the ability at Aetna & CVS Health, with our local footprint and unique collection of assets, to deliver on a member experience that impacts total health: social, economic, mental, financial and physical,” said Brendan Lane, Aetna Public and Labor representative. “At Aetna, we create solutions that are focused on affordability, accessibility, and a personalized member experience. A relationship with Everside Health would bring this commitment to the St. Louis labor community.”
SIX LOCAL UNIONS HAVE SIGNED UP
To date, six unions have signed up for Everside, including The Greater St. Louis Construction Laborers’ Welfare Fund – Laborers Locals 42 and 110, Operating Engineers Local 513, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1 and Cement Mason’s Local 527 and Glaziers Local 513. Over 30 union leaders and members were present at the event.
Nationally, Everside represents over 60 unions and their 200,000 members.
Company statistics show a 17 percent gross savings by year three and a 31 percent savings by year five. Plus, 81 percent of members report improved health.
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Another benefit to members is several convenient locations. Everside has eight health care centers in the metro area including Creve Coeur, Chesterfield, Fairview Heights, Farmington, Florissant, South County, St. Peters and Washington, making it easy to see a doctor close to home or near the jobsite. The company also offers health clinics across the nation for members who travel.
For more information on Everside, call 844-205-6403 or visit eversidehealth.com/st.louis.
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