The Village of Algonquin, IL

A Public Hearing on the proposed Text A Physician (TAP) telehealth program was held on August 19, 2025, at the Ganek Municipal Center. This page includes a collection of frequently asked questions submitted by residents along with the Village’s responses. These questions were raised before and during the hearing, and the information below is provided to clarify program details, address concerns, and share insight into the process. Additional questions and answers may be added as the program evolves.

1. Is this program paid for with my tax dollars?
   • No. This is an entirely voluntary, opt-out service. If the Village moves forward, only those who wish to subscribe will see a monthly charge (around $6) on their utility bill. No general tax dollars will be used to fund it.
2. Why is the Village getting involved in healthcare when private and federal options already exist?
   • The program is not intended to replace Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or primary care. Instead, it’s being considered as a convenience-based option for those who may not currently have easy access to non-emergency care. Tap Telehealth would provide:
     •    Virtual access to licensed providers
     •    $0 cost per visit (no co-pays or deductibles)
     •    Coverage for the entire household
     •    No insurance required
     Residents are free to continue using their preferred providers, or to opt out of the program entirely. This initiative also supports regional goals identified in the McHenry and Kane County Community Health Assessments, which name access to care as one of the most pressing health challenges facing area residents.
3. Is this “socialized medicine”?
   • No. The Village is not providing or funding healthcare services. If implemented, the Village would simply be facilitating access to a private subscription-based service on an opt-out basis, similar to other voluntary utility services like garbage collection. There is no government-run medical care and no taxpayer funding involved.
4. Who decided this program should be explored?
   • The Village Board directed staff to explore opportunities to support community health, based on priorities identified in the McHenry and Kane County Community Health Assessments. A key focus of that directive was improving access to care, which both assessments identified as a leading regional health concern.  In response, staff evaluated potential solutions and identified the proposed telehealth service for further consideration. Public input continues to be part of the review process, and no final decision has been made.
5. Is this even legal without a referendum?
   • Yes, the Village of Algonquin has statutory authority under the Illinois Constitution to implement voluntary programs like this without a referendum, unless specifically required by state law.
6. What if someone is misdiagnosed or harmed—what is the Village’s liability?
   • The Village would not be providing medical care. All services would be delivered by licensed providers employed by Tap Telehealth, who carry malpractice insurance and are responsible for all medical decisions. The agreement includes indemnification provisions to protect the Village from liability arising from clinical care.
7. Why would a charge for Telehealth Services be placed on my utility bill?
   • If approved, a clearly identified line item would be added to the utility bill so the program fee could be charged only to participating households rather than to all households through general taxes. This method is standard in many communities for other services such as garbage collection, stormwater management, or yard waste pickup, but would be new in Algonquin for this purpose. The charge would appear as “Telehealth Services.” Participation would be voluntary, and residents could opt out at any time. Once you opt out, the charge would be removed from future bills.
8. Is this just a money grab by the Village?
   • No. If approved, this program would be entirely voluntary and would operate on a user fee basis, meaning only households that choose to participate would pay for it. The Village would not profit from the program; fees would be collected solely to cover the cost of providing telehealth services. Our goal is to make an additional, convenient healthcare access option available to residents who want it, not to raise general revenue. Residents who do not wish to participate could opt out at any time, and no charges would appear on their utility bill.
9. How much will the Village of Algonquin pay for initial setup and programming to the current systems?
   
   • If the program is approved, the Village does not anticipate any costs for setup or system integration. Village staff would complete the billing system updates needed to add the line-item charge to utility bills. At the same time, the telehealth provider would handle all other program setup on their platform. The only expected expense is a minimal cost to update and stock a new bill backer with information about the program and opt-out instructions.
10. How much extra is the Village of Algonquin going to spend processing all the residents opting out?
    • The opt-out process would be designed to be simple and low-cost, handled within current staffing levels. Residents would be able to submit an online form or contact the Village directly, and accounts would be updated during normal billing operations. No significant additional expense is expected.
11. How is the Village of Algonquin going to handle inquiries from residents regarding this program, if it is approved? Will additional staff have to be hired?
    • During the initial rollout, the provider’s staff would play a significant role in assisting with resident questions and providing program information. Once the program is fully live, inquiries will be handled by the Village’s existing customer service staff. No new staff would be hired. To help residents understand the program and reduce call volume, information and opt-out instructions would be shared on the Village website, in newsletters, and on social media.
12. Is a statement going to be added to the water bill, stating no refunds for previous months, if a resident forgets to opt out and calls the Village requesting a refund for the additional charge?
    • If the program is approved, residents who opt out before the launch date or within the first 30 days of being charged will not be billed, or will receive a full credit if already billed. The opt-out form is already available now for residents who wish to opt out before the program even begins. After this courtesy period, the charge will remain until a resident opts out, and no retroactive refunds will be issued for prior months.
13. I think it is a good idea to mail letters to all Village residents regarding this program and the additional charge being added to the water bill.
    • We agree.  If approved, the Village will provide multiple outreach methods before the charge begins, including mailed notices, website updates, newsletter articles, and social media posts. While many residents follow the Village online, a mailed letter will ensure that every household receives direct information about the program and the opt-out process.
14. Was a survey done by the Village of Algonquin asking residents if they have access to health care? If not, how was the lack of access determined?
    • No new survey was conducted solely for this proposal. The need for additional healthcare access options was identified through county-level Community Health Assessments conducted by Kane and McHenry Counties, which include Algonquin. These assessments - developed in collaboration with hospitals, nonprofits, and community groups - highlight gaps in access to timely and affordable healthcare and inform local public health planning.