Access Free Virtual Care for Uninsured Michigan Residents: Program Launched

Michigan adults without health insurance will have the opportunity to access free virtual care throughout the rest of the year.
Partnership Providing Free Virtual Care
The new program, a partnership between Priority Health and Curai Health, aims to provide text-based, virtual care to approximately 400,000 uninsured residents. The initiative hopes to eliminate some of the barriers preventing uninsured individuals from seeking care by offering a free virtual visit option.
Removing Barriers to Healthcare
Praveen Thadani, Priority Health's president and CEO, stated, "Oftentimes people who are uninsured don't seek care, leading to untreated conditions that worsen over time." Eligible Michigan residents aged 18 and above can access free virtual care until December 31.
How to Access Free Virtual Care
To secure an access code, eligible residents can visit priorityhealth.com/freevirtual, which can then be entered at CuraiHealth.com or through the Curai Health mobile app. The program, which commenced in late August, allows patients to start with an AI health assistant and continue with a physician who provides diagnoses and care plans.
No Cost to Patients
Virtual visits with healthcare providers under this program are free of charge. However, any prescriptions, labs, specialist visits, surgeries, or follow-up care will not be covered. Patients can utilize the program for multiple free visits until the end of the year.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Priority Health aims to invest in Michigan communities and address social determinants of health and disparities in healthcare access. The virtual care program targets delayed care, promotes access to care, works towards health equity, and reduces costs for the uninsured population.
Curai Health Services
Curai Health offers fully text-based care 24/7. Their board-certified doctors can refer patients to specialists, write prescriptions, and order labs as necessary. Apart from the no-cost partnership with Priority Health, Curai Health offers its services to the public for $14.99 per month.
Michigan's Healthcare Landscape
Michigan's uninsured rate of 4.5% is the fifth lowest in the country, trailing behind Massachusetts, Hawaii, Vermont, and Rhode Island. As of September 19, Priority Health did not have utilization data available for the initial weeks of the program.