City of Jacksonville Launches Free, Virtual Healthcare Service
Healthlink JAX provides free, 24/7 virtual care for Duval County residents without insurance
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 7, 2024 – The City of Jacksonville announces Healthlink JAX, a new program that provides free, 24/7 virtual care to more than 100,000 Duval County residents living without health insurance. The service provides individuals and families with quality care, day or night, with on-demand virtual visits from board-certified doctors, and also connects patients with local clinics and other existing community resources. Qualifying residents can call (904) 925-CARE (2273) anytime.
Mayor Donna Deegan unveiled Healthlink JAX program, one of the first-of-its-kind in the U.S., alongside City Council Member Michael Boylan, Dr. Sunil Joshi, Chief Health Officer for the City of Jacksonville, and Lynn Sherman, the Executive Director of Health Programs.
“We must do a better job of ensuring that all of our residents and their families have access to the care they need” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “This new program will do just that, as it will improve access to care for those without health insurance, and in turn, reduce unnecessary and costly emergency room visits.”
Patients who call (904) 925-CARE (2273) will connect with a care team member who will help them find the right care and support. This includes immediately connecting with a physician through a video call or scheduling an appointment through JaxCareConnect with one of the Duval Safety Net Clinics or other local providers.
“I can’t stress this enough – it’s more than just treating illnesses. It’s about finding people a medical home,” said Councilman Michael Boylan, Jacksonville City Council. “Two years ago, the council’s Special Committee to Address Critical Quality of Life Issues identified that accessibility and convenience were obstacles keeping citizens from addressing their healthcare needs. Healthlink JAX not only removes barriers for those without insurance but optimizes existing resources throughout our community.”
By utilizing a virtual care platform, Duval County residents without health insurance can receive medical advice from the comfort of their homes rather than spending time driving to and waiting in hospital emergency departments. Not only does this save patients time, but it saves local taxpayer dollars. During a two-month pilot of the Healthlink JAX, the program saved an estimated $500,000 in emergency room visits.
“The majority of Duval County residents who visit our safety net clinics also visit our emergency departments multiple times a year, and 50% of the time, care could have been provided in a non-emergency setting,” said Dr. Sunil Joshi, Chief Health Officer for the City of Jacksonville. “Healthlink JAX curbs this trend by helping residents access preventative and primary care health services including regular physical exams, bloodwork, vaccinations and screenings. It’s an innovative strategy that is key to Jacksonville becoming one of the healthiest communities in the country.”
The free, 24/7 virtual care service Healthlink JAX is possible because of Telescope Health, a physician-led healthcare solutions company. Telescope Health specializes in on-demand, preventative and transitional care telehealth services for Affordable Care Organizations (ACOs), health systems, health plans, nursing facilities and businesses.
“Virtual access to a physician supported by wraparound care navigation is a critical component of healthcare innovation and reducing unnecessary emergency department visits,” said Telescope Health CEO and co-founder Dr. Matthew Thompson. “Healthlink JAX is a valuable resource available anytime for patients that need to be seen right away or for those looking to start a healthcare journey with one of the incredible providers we have in Jacksonville.”
For more information or to connect with the Healthlink JAX care team, call (904) 925-CARE (2273) or visit HealthlinkJAX.com.