Health care can be expensive, especially without health insurance. What’s more, costs are projected to increase over the next decade. The rising cost of care is something Priority Health does not take lightly. In fact, we’re continuously seeking ways to improve the quality of care while offering the lowest possible price. However, the reality is, even the lowest possible costs can be burdensome to some budgets.
And what if you don’t have health coverage? What then? Here’s some good news: there are ways to improve your health and wellness that won’t cost you a dime. Here are the top three, made easy through Priority Health, our partners and the state of Michigan.
Free virtual health care visits for uninsured adults in Michigan through Curai Health
From now until December 31, 2024, adult Michiganders who are without health coverage can connect with a virtual care provider from their phone or computer to address their health concerns. All it takes is a visit to this website to get started.
“Oftentimes people who are uninsured don’t consider getting care and conditions go unchecked and get worse,” says Praveen Thadani, president/CEO of Priority Health. “By offering this first step – a free virtual visit option – we hope to remove some of the barriers that prevent people who are uninsured from getting the care they need and deserve. This service is one way we can help improve the health and well-being of our state.”
Curai Health uses artificial intelligence to streamline information and clinical documentation gathering and provide up-to-date medical knowledge, empowering providers with information to deliver better health care. The company also prioritizes safety and accuracy with a human-in-the-loop approach that provides clinical oversight and expertise, including making diagnoses and final treatment decisions.
“With the power of AI, our clinicians can help serve more folks in need with virtual care at scale,” said Neal Khosla, CEO and cofounder of Curai Health.
Free workouts at a Priority Health Fitness Court®
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children and two in five adults fall within the obese category according to body mass index standards in the U.S. To address this epidemic, Priority Health and the National Fitness Campaign have partnered to create Priority Health Fitness Courts®, expanding free access to high quality, outdoor workouts in Michigan communities.
What is a Fitness Court?
Created with users of all abilities in mind, Fitness Courts are a seven-station circuit that provide a full body workout using the exerciser’s body weight. Each station has instructions and online coaching that can be accessed through the free Fitness Court App.
Each court can improve quality of life and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the state. There are currently 22 Priority Health Fitness Courts. By 2026, the fitness courts are expected to reach one-third of communities in Michigan, giving roughly 3.3 million Michiganders access to free fitness opportunities.
Find a fitness court near you and get moving without the unnecessary cost of a gym membership.
Free flu shots
Getting your annual flu shot is one of the fastest, easiest ways to promote health and wellness and prevent unwelcome illness. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season alone.
From your doctor’s office to your favorite pharmacy and several clinics in-between, you can get your annual flu shot for free this fall. There are currently 1,149 providers across Michigan offering the flu vaccine at no-cost through the state’s Vaccines for Children and Michigan Adult Vaccine Program initiatives. Use this search tool to find a provider near you.
So while finding quality care at an affordable price can seem out of reach, there are resources to help ensure you have a means of getting – and staying – healthy. Between free virtual visits, outdoor workout opportunities and access to your annual flu shot, you have a front door to a healthier you.
