Restaurant Worker Health Care Cooperative
The Restaurant Worker Health Care Cooperative (RWHCC) provides uninsured restaurant workers with timely, direct access to basic medical care at a low, reasonable cost.
About RWHCC
Restaurants are families, and their owners and managers want to provide some sort of health services to their loyal, valued employees but very rare is the restaurant that can afford to pay $1000 per month per worker to supply so-called health insurance for every single worker.
Many restaurant workers don't qualify for Medicaid, and the economically abusive health insurance system is no answer at all, as you have to pay for what might have happened whether that medical event happens or not; there are no refunds given for good health and good luck.
A few years ago, Dr David J. Ores, MD met with several New York restaurant owners to discuss solutions and so the Restaurant Worker Health Care Cooperative was created. RWHCC provides actual medical care, not an insurance scam. The cooperative only pays out money when a worker actually needs medical assistance.
How It Works
Member restaurants contribute dues of a few hundred dollars each per month to a common fund. This fund is used to pay for any worker who visits the office for any medical need or problem. No profits are made. No dividends are paid out. The mission statement is not to make as much money each quarter as possible, but to help as many restaurant workers as possible for the least amount of cost.
For the worker, we offer access to an MD for a evaluation of any sort of problem or complaint. Then we provide care in office, or make an appropriate referral. It's an important first look by a doctor to make a proper medical decision on what needs to be done. 90% plus of clients are treated in the office; few need additional outside care. RWHCC does not pay for lab tests or outside studies at this point, and can only offer medical care in the office. It's a start.
(Is the restaurant you work for already a member? Here's how to use RWHCC!)
Why It Matters
Making a first look by an MD easily available to restaurant workers reduces the number of days a worker has to work at a restaurant while injured or sick.
On early, correct medications, a sick worker will be less contagious for fewer days, which is better for them, better for their co-workers, better for their employers, and better for the public.
Creating a clear path to zero barrier health services for people in need is the just and right thing to do.