Tri-County Project Care: The Right Solution, Right Now.

Did you know that:

• Only 55 percent of private employers in South Carolina offer health insurance to their employees.
• 85 percent of uninsured Americans live in a household with a working adult.
• A lack of health insurance results in decreased productivity, wage reductions, and a weakened South Carolina labor force.
• In 2007, South Carolina hospitals provided $1.3 billion in unreimbursed services, creating an overwhelming burden on health systems and taxpayers (Access Health SC).

To address some of these astounding statistics, Dr. Casey Fitts started Tri-County Project Care, a nonprofit, community-based organization that offers high-quality care to working uninsured in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties without access to government or commercial insurance. That population represents 35,000 of the TriCounty population to date.

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Click here to view a quick summary of the TCPC Program

Who Benefits from TCPC?

Low-income workers and companies that employ three or more employees and do not have access to commercial or government insurance can enroll in TCPC for a monthly prepayment. Through TCPC, individuals have access to excellent care through an impressive network of primary care physicians and hospitals such as MUSC, Roper St. Francis, Trident Health System, and East Cooper Regional Health Center.

Specialty care and ancillary services such as diagnostic tests and physical therapy are included. A pharmacy budget is provided. Each member benefits from a care manager who navigates their healthcare. "The depth and scope of TCPC's services is the key to its success," explains Ellen Brown, TCPC Board Chair. "Each receives individual attention to ensure that any barrier to receiving quality healthcare is overcome."

"I commend those that have been working on this program and that have a commitment to volunteerism."
Representative Anne Peterson Hutto, District 115

How is TCPC Different?

TCPC is not insurance and it does not compete with commercial insurance providers. "TCPC is community collaboration at its finest," states Jonathan Donaldson, MD, Vice Chair TCPC Board. TCPC area health providers offer care at reduced rate. Community agencies such as the Medical Society of South Carolina, Trident United Way, the South Carolina Competitive Grants Committee, and Access Health SC contribute funds. Enrollees pay a monthly fee. In essence, the cost of healthcare for this population is spread among the providers, the patient, and the community.

Unlike many healthcare initiatives, TCPC does not require any new infrastructure to operate. TCPC operates efficiently and cost-effectively because it relies on an existing network of providers.

"As someone committed to the increase in cigarette sales tax money and that money going to healthcare, I think it is a wonderful idea."
Representative Anne Peterson Hutto, District 115

TCPC is an Innovative, Successful Healthcare Fix

TCPC's results are impressive:

• Preventative care and lifestyle changes reduce the likelihood of high-cost diseases.
• Program results to Funders and legislators have been reported as follows:
  • Over $30 million in healthcare services provided over the last 6 years.
  • $1000 per member/per year decrease in hospital charges due to decrease in ER visits, admissions and length of stay per admission.
  • $800 per member/per year decreases in costs for member's second year in the program.
  • Improved mental wellbeing and functional status for members.
  • Empowerment of members after one year of enrollment; including 17% obtained commercial insurance, 10% became eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and 5% ineligible because of income increase over 200% FPL.
  • Employer benefits are increased productivity and ability to recruit and retain good workers.

Expanding TCPC State-wide

TCPC works. Data proves it is an efficient, logical, and cost-effective solution to part of our nation's health care crisis. Now, we want to expand the program locally with an eye to going statewide with legislative funding and community non profits.

Replicating TCPC will allow all uninsured workers in South Carolina to enjoy the same high-quality care as workers in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties receive.

"Dr. Fitts and Tri-County Project Care do an absolute fantastic job. Anything the General Assembly can do to help replicate that would be a great thing."
Senator Larry Grooms