FirstCare Medical Plan
Breaking down barriers to healthcare
Published:Thursday | May 25, 2023 | 12:15 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
FirstCare Medical Plan, a fast-growing primary healthcare and lifestyle company, is making healthcare more accessible for all Jamaicans. The company boasts an affordable plan for every budget and integrates digital solutions to offer a quick and easy solution from the moment a customer becomes a member.
Customers can sign up online and pay through convenient options such as Lynk, Jamaica’s leading digital wallet. As a part of FirstCare’s commitment to accessibility, the company is offering a number of payment options for the banked and unbanked, including payments through Lynk. This digital payment solution allows users with or without a bank account to pay their monthly membership fee quickly and easily through the Lynk app.
According to Jheanell Thompson, FirstCare Jamaica country manager, in the current landscape, both Lynk and FirstCare Medical Plan play crucial roles in addressing the needs of underserved individuals. This partnership, she said, simplifies the payment process and enhances convenience for their members, ultimately improving healthcare accessibility in Jamaica.
“FirstCare Medical Plan is a private primary healthcare plan that offers access to affordable healthcare to the more than two million Jamaican citizens without health insurance or access to it. By partnering with Lynk, we aim to provide a secure and cashless payment solution for our members who do not possess a bank card or have access to a bank account,” Thompson said.
FirstCare is a robust primary healthcare plan. However, it is not major medical insurance. Members enjoy free in-network primary care doctor visits, plus, deep discounts at leading specialists, labs and pharmacies in Jamaica and the United States.
“At FirstCare, we are committed to providing our members with the best possible healthcare experience and leading the charge for modern and convenient health and wellness companies. Integrating payments via Lynk is just one example of how we are leveraging technology to make healthcare more accessible, convenient, and affordable for our members,” Thompson said.
FirstCare offers three comprehensive plans that includes a local plan, the FirstCare Jamaica Plan grants access to all local healthcare providers in Jamaica, priced at only J$2,500 plus tax for adults. The FirstCare USA Plan, priced at J$3,000 plus tax for adults, provides access to a network of healthcare providers in the United States.
BENEFITS
The FirstCare Plus plan combines the benefits of both local and international coverage, enabling access to healthcare providers in Jamaica and the United States for J$5,000 plus GCT for adults.
“We are pleased with our member growth and excited about our future prospects. With under nine months in the market, we are very encouraged by our positive sales results and we believe that we are providing a health and wellness solution that is needed in the market for both individuals, as well as companies eager to enrol their staff,” Thompson said.
Over the next five years, Thompson said they anticipate substantial growth, with a projected membership of 150,000 or more. Their goal is to expand their reach and ensure more Jamaicans have access to quality healthcare services.
“Accessing our coverage is simple and convenient. Individuals can sign up through our website www.firstcarejamaica.com or seek assistance from our dedicated agents who are available to guide them through the enrolment process. We have no age barriers, medical restrictions, or requirements for membership,” Thompson said.
“Anyone, of any age and any health condition can become a member. That is one of the major benefits of FirstCare. We believe in inclusivity and welcome everyone to join FirstCare Medical Plan, whether you have a pre-existing condition or not, ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all individuals in Jamaica,” Thompson said.
In addition, Thompson said FirstCare is committed to democratising healthcare, providing millions in Jamaica access to affordable, private healthcare, peace of mind, and the ability to focus on their health and well-being.
“We look forward to working with Lynk to provide our members with yet another seamless and secure payment experience for their healthcare needs. Lynk offers a variety of features, including the ability to view your transaction history; also enables users to pay other bills, purchase mobile credit and scan to pay at participating merchants islandwide. Persons who do not have a bank account can easily put money in Lynk through any NCB iABM using just their smartphone,” Thompson said.
“Lynk is all about financial inclusion, and we’re determined to make access to all services, including healthcare, accessible to all Jamaicans,” said Marc Lewis, Lynk sales, and partnership lead.
“Everyone should have the peace of mind that comes with access to good healthcare, and with FirstCare integrating Lynk payments for their monthly membership, we hope to bring affordable healthcare to more Jamaicans,” Lewis added.