Board asks MD Health Pathways to survey residents after presentation on opt-out telehealth program

MD Health Pathways representative Matt Gerardo presented a telehealth service to the Fox River Grove board on Sept. 16 that would be offered to residents for $6 billed every two months and added to utility bills by default (an opt-out model). The plan would allow up to 10 household members to use telehealth services and permit small businesses to enroll employees. The company said residents who opt out may receive a refund for up to 90 days of charges.

Trustee Steve Knar pressed for data on how many village residents are underinsured and said he prefers an opt-in model over an opt-out charge on utility bills. "I am not in favor of the opt out program where residents must call and opt out to not be charged," Knar said. Trustee David Joseph asked about the fee lock-in; Mr. Gerardo said Algonquin is locked into a five-year pricing term but that there are no penalties for residents who later opt in or out.

Trustees expressed interest in gauging community appetite for the service before considering any action. The Board's consensus was for MD Health Pathways to survey residents to determine the level of interest in an opt-out telehealth offering and to return with results.

No authorization to enroll residents or to add the charge to utility bills was voted on at the meeting.