AURORA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Aurora Mayor John Laesch is opposing a proposed text-based health care program that his office says would automatically enroll residential water customers and add at least $18 to their bills each billing cycle.
The Text-a-Physician proposal, being advanced by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, would allow residents to message medical professionals about routine, nonemergency health concerns.
According to the mayor’s office, customers would have 60 days to opt out. The additional charge would amount to a nearly 15% increase in the average water bill.
Laesch said automatic enrollment would burden residents with the cost of a service they may not want or use. His office also raised concerns about customers who pay automatically, older residents and people who speak languages other than English potentially overlooking or having difficulty navigating the opt-out process.
More than 14,000 Aurora water customers have their bills automatically withdrawn from their bank accounts, according to the mayor’s office.
Laesch said he would consider a voluntary program in which residents choose to enroll and pay the fee. However, he said questions about the provider’s qualifications, patient privacy, medical oversight, follow-up care and the city’s potential legal liability would still need answers.
In its current form, Laesch opposes bringing the proposal before the City Council and is urging council members to oppose it unless enrollment is made voluntary.
The city is seeking residents’ feedback through an online poll at aurora.il.us/TAP.
