The Fulton County Commission has approved a program proposed by District 6 Commissioner Nancy A. Boxill that would create a pilot project for the Neighborhood Union and small businesses.    The goal of the Fulton County Small Business Primary Care Access Program is to set up a fund to offset fees associated with treatment of employees of small businesses and nonprofit organizations at the Neighborhood Union Health Center.  Commissioners approved the program during the Wednesday, October 20, 2010, meeting.

The initiation of the fund (which is not health insurance) would counteract the lack of access to affordable health care among lower income residents employed by small businesses. The Access Program will enable small businesses and non-profit organizations to provide their employees with the means to receive primary care services at Neighborhood Union Health Center located at 186 Sunset Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30314.

“Research has shown that cost is a barrier to both individuals seeking care and to small business owners that want to provide health care to employees, said Commissioner Boxill.  Among small businesses, three out of four do not offer benefits due to high premiums.  Commissioner Boxill emphasized, “We want to help small businesses to reduce costs related to lost productivity and lost days of work due to employee illness.”

“Access to primary care can lead to healthier workers with decreased days of calling in sick, resulting in higher productivity and efficiency,” added Fulton County Health Services Director Dr. Patrice A. Harris.

The pilot project will have a target enrollment of 50 employees.  Recruitment of targeted small businesses and non-profit organizations will begin immediately.  Enrollment of eligible employees will take place during January – March 2011.  Employees will be eligible to receive primary care services covered under the program during the 2011 calendar year beginning on January 1, 2011, and ending December 21, 2011.

The program will be monitored and evaluated by the Department of Health Services to determine its effectiveness.  The County will establish an enterprise fund to implement the project.