MD Health Pathways representatives and the city’s HR director presented a telehealth subscription program to give DeSoto households text‑based access to physicians for $9 per month, with an opt‑out mechanism and a 90‑day trial period.

The vendor described the offering as a subscription that would appear as a line item on the city water bill. Each subscribing household may register up to 10 people; the company said its average uninsured prescription cash price is about $10 and that participating municipalities commonly keep about 85% of households enrolled after the initial opt‑out period. MD Health Pathways said city employees would be provided the service at no charge as part of the rollout.

Why it matters: the proposal would add a recurring, opt‑out municipal bill line item to provide on‑demand telemedicine to residents who may lack regular access to primary care. Presenters said participating cities have reported measurable reductions in emergency dispatch and transports in at least one jurisdiction and cited examples where municipalities and employers used the service to reduce avoidable ER and urgent‑care visits.

Questions from council and staff centered on privacy (HIPAA), how Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are handled, how apartment complexes with master bills would be covered, liability to the city, and the opt‑out and collection process. Dr. Derek Perrett (MD Health Pathways) confirmed strict HIPAA compliance and that only treating physicians would see individual medical records; company representatives said they can provide de‑identified aggregate encounter and utilization data to the city.

Presenters described an implementation model for “all bills paid” apartment complexes in which the vendor initially covers the complex for one year to demonstrate utility and then works with property owners on sustainable billing or landlord participation. They said commercial water accounts can also be included so small businesses can offer the benefit to employees.

Council direction: staff told the council they would return to the Nov. meeting with an approval item if council wants to proceed; council members asked staff to follow up on specifics including apartment‑billing details, liability language, collection/opt‑out safeguards and how city employee coverage would be funded.

Evidence: the presentation and discussion were led by HR Director Danae Greenlee and MD Health Pathways presenters identified in the record as Chris, Bridal, and Dr. Derek Perrett. The vendor presentation included vendor performance claims and enrollment mechanics; council asked for additional legal and operational detail before any approval.

Next steps: staff will bring an ordinance or approval item back at the November council meeting for deliberation.