At a December school board meeting a one-time taxable gift of $600 was approved for all 3,254 full-time employees to “build morale.” Could there have been a better way to invest $1.9 million for a greater return on investment for the benefit of valued employees?
The minute these $600 checks are released they depreciate by up to 20% instantly. Poof, gone. But if the monies are gifted in a different and more efficient way the value increases quickly to the advantage of both taxpayers and school employees.
How is that possible? Well……….we are glad you asked……
For the same money the district could have opened three on-site primary care clinics strategically located for easy access to basic health care at no cost to the employees. No copays, no deductible, free primary care. In addition, members using these clinics would then receive directed upstream care (specialty care, hospital and surgical center care) at no cost. All financial barriers to health care are removed.
Statistics prove that direct primary care save health plans in fewer hospitalizations, less specialty care and reduced prescription drug spending. The return on investment pays for itself by a ratio of 2 to 1 and more if properly managed. The savings on directed upstream care is even greater.
In lieu of this the district could have, at a minimum, waived primary care office copays for +70,000 visits per year giving plan members free access to primary care through their doctor of choice.
Gifting $600 without basis of merit is a waste of taxpayer money. Gifting better access to free health care makes more sense.
