EDITORIAL: Access to care a model [St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.]

Dec. 17--Changes taking place through health care reform have many concerned. The new legislation is expected to impact doctors, hospitals, insurance companies and, most of all, patients.

It's led to lots of hand wringing, finger pointing and nail biting. One local company sets an example, though, in being proactive to meet workers' needs while also addressing costs.

Altec Industries is establishing an on-site clinic at its facility on South Riverside Road. The health clinic will allow workers to receive treatment without making appointments or needing to leave the premises to visit a doctor.

Besides the convenience, employees on Altec's health insurance plan will be able to visit the clinic without paying a copay. Spouses and children over the age of 6 on the company insurance plan also will be able to make use of the clinic.

Altec expects the facility to lower corporate health care costs by 30 percent within the first three years. This becomes a savings not only for the company, but for workers who pay their insurance premium. The program also stands to improve efficiency because workers will spend less time away from the job for doctor appointments.

We see many benefits while raising up only a couple of cautions: It is important employees feel free to visit health care providers other than the on-site medical staff if they choose. In addition, health care must be free of pressure to "get back to work" at the expense of managing health issues.

Altec has been a respected, growing employer within St. Joseph for many years. This innovative approach shows a concern for both the bottom line and the welfare of workers. We expect this service to be welcomed by the workers.

The program is scheduled to begin around the first of the year. While it's not feasible for most businesses to go to such measures, we are pleased to see this approach offered in our area and believe it could set a standard for other employers.

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