Alabama Company Helping Employees Avoid Medical Expenses by Opening Clinic

By Consumers for Quality Care, on October 9, 2024

A manufacturing company in Alabama is setting a new precedent for how a large company can care for its employees, according to KFF Health News. 

Founded by a WWII veteran who wanted to turn the massive amount of aluminum produced for the war into window screens, Phifer Incorporated has been a pillar of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama community for decades.  

The company saw a need to address the rising cost of medical care. So, five years ago, it opened the PhiferCares Clinic, where employees and their families can be seen for checkups, vaccinations, chronic illness management, and even prescriptions – all at no out-of-pocket cost. 

The free clinic has been a win-win for both employees and the company. Employees don’t have to worry about paying for medical expenses, and the company has saved so much money on health care costs that it used this year’s savings to open a free summer camp for their employees’ children. Phifer is also expanding services, such as chiropractic care and orthotics, offered at its clinic. 

Consumers across the nation, even those with employer-based health insurance, often have health insurance plans that require them to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket before their insurance will begin covering medical care. As a result, they struggle to access care and often fall into medical debt. Many consumers also skip or delay medical care for fear of going into debt, leading to worse health care outcomes.  

Phifer’s innovative strategy has helped the company save money while helping its employees avoid medical debt and improving their health outcomes. 

CQC applauds Phifer for its approach to delivering health care to their employees. All consumers should have access to quality medical care without fear of going into medical debt.