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Batavia households and businesses will soon see a new $9 monthly charge on their city utility bills for a text-a-physician service — unless they opt out.
The City Council split 7-7 on the five-year agreement during the Nov. 2 meeting, and Mayor Jeffrey Schielke cast the tie-breaking vote to approve it. No start date has been set, though the council’s resolution calls for 60 days of free service before anyone is billed.
Here’s what to know:
What the program covers: The service, called TAP (Text a Physician), lets everyone at a given residence (up to 10 people) text, call, or video chat with licensed doctors, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners. Business accounts pay the same $9 to cover up to 10 employees.
How to opt out: Everyone is enrolled automatically, so residents will have to opt out online, by phone, by mail, or in person if they don’t want it. The city must send every utility customer a notice explaining how to opt out at least 30 days before the first charge. There’s also a 12-month refund window for residents who don’t notice the charge right away.
The supporters’ perspective: Proponents on the council said the service fills a gap for uninsured and underinsured residents and could reduce ambulance calls and ER visits. Some supporters also argued that fewer insurance claims could eventually lower health costs for local public employers (like schools and park districts), which pay employee premiums through property taxes.
The other side: Several opponents said they liked the service but not the automatic enrollment, arguing it places the burden on seniors and struggling families who may never see the notice. Some also questioned how thoroughly the city vetted the vendors.
According to city documents, city staff says the initiative expands Batavia’s commitment to community wellness by improving access to primary medical care for all residents, reducing barriers to quality care as healthcare costs rise, and helping residents get treatment before conditions get worse.
The city has offered TAP to its own employees since July. The resolution calls for a council review of the program after 12 months.
Read more about the program in this agenda document and watch the full meeting recording.
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