FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2017
Wisconsin Pipe Trades Health Fund Launches Direct Primary Care Health Center
Milwaukee, WI – The Board of Trustees of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Health Fund, representing approximately 2,400 members, announces partnering with a leading on-site clinic provider, CareATC, Inc. The Wisconsin Pipe Trades Health Fund Health Center will service the United Association of Steamfitters Local 601and Local 118 members, offering full service primary care, including on-site prescription drug dispensation, health screenings, and lab draws to members and eligible dependents.
According to The Health Care Cost Institute, Medical services cost 81% more in Wisconsin. Results are based on claims data from three of nation's largest insurers- Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. In selecting CareATC Inc. to manage the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Health Fund Health Center, Local 601 and Local 118 can provide a full service primary clinic at no cost to members, spouses and eligible dependents age 2 and up.
Unions, much like general employers, are affected by healthcare costs. Consultancy PwC projects that 2018 medical costs will increase 6.5 percent, up from the 6 percent rise employers experienced in 2017 - the first uptick in growth in three years. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 16.3 million wage and salary workers were represented by a union in 2016. This group includes both union members (14.6 million) and workers who report no union affiliation but whose jobs are covered by a union contract (1.7 million).
“Organized labor, represents nearly one in ten Americans, and is one of the most influential purchasing groups in the health care industry. The Wisconsin Pipe Trades Health Fund is becoming a part of the solution by providing direct access to primary care. The group’s highly skilled members will benefit from a dedicated health center. We look forward to serving Local 601and Local 118,” says Paul Keeling, CareATC Chief Business Development Officer.
About CareATC, Inc.
CareATC is a leading provider of onsite and near-site medical clinics. Since 2000, CareATC provides customized population health management solutions for employers, reducing healthcare costs by promoting health, preventing disease, and providing a shorter path to care. CareATC manages over 140 clients in 31 states and cares for over 155,000 patients. CareATC is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
More information about CareATC can be found at www.careatc.com. For media inquiries, contact Lori Malone at 918.645.9285.