PhiferCares Clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is not your average medical office. Here, patients don’t receive a bill, not even for prescriptions. Why? Because this clinic is owned by a manufacturing company – Phifer. Russell DuBose, VP of Human Resources at Phifer, states, “We don’t want you to spend money on health care.”
Phifer, a global manufacturer of window screens, opened the clinic five years ago with the goal of controlling its health care costs and preventing large medical bills from plunging its workers into debt. The company has been highly successful in this endeavor. They have saved significantly on health care costs, allowing them to open a free summer camp for the children of their employees.
Additionally, employees have seen a boost in their retirement savings. Phifer is expanding its benefits to include services like chiropractic care and orthotics, all at no cost to the workers.
This kind of setup, where health care is provided without the burden of costs, is a rarity for most U.S. workers. Millions struggle with health care debt, often resorting to draining savings or taking out loans to cover medical expenses.
Phifer has shown that taking a different approach is possible. By saving on health care costs, the company is not only benefiting itself but also its employees, shielding them from the financial strain of medical bills.
Russell DuBose’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His innovative solutions have garnered praise from the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.
Phifer, a family-owned company founded post-World War II, has continuously evolved. Today, they continue to manufacture window screens and other products at their expansive plant in Tuscaloosa.
Concerned by their employees’ financial struggles due to rising medical costs, Phifer took action. They established the PhiferCares Clinic providing no-cost basic primary care to employees and their families, including checkups, vaccinations, and assistance managing chronic illnesses.
The clinic, combined with access to specialists and hospitals with top ratings, has proven to be life-changing for employees like Ronald Lewis. He saved thousands on medical expenses and experienced improved health outcomes.
The results are evident. Phifer has managed to decrease its health care spending despite national inflation. Their health benefits plan with no deductible, including dental benefits, comes at a lower cost than the national average.
Thanks to these cost-saving measures, Phifer has been able to invest in employee-centric benefits like summer camps and college scholarships. The protection from large medical bills has also fostered a sense of loyalty among the workers, making them more invested in the company’s success.
