The new service is entirely funded by the university and will provide students with 24/7 virtual healthcare that connects them with licensed healthcare providers who can write prescriptions, give referrals, and put in lab orders.
Lincoln Memorial University has launched TextCare, a free, 24/7 virtual healthcare service for students, which requires no insurance to access. The service is completely funded by the university and will provide students with numerous healthcare services, from licensed healthcare providers, that can often eliminate the need for students to attend in-person office visits.
The service has been designed to help eliminate barriers students may face when receiving healthcare, including lack of insurance, lack of finances, and lack of time to visit a doctor in person. The licensed providers can write prescriptions, make specialist referrals, diagnose illnesses, and order lab work. The HIPAA-compliant text messaging service will make seeking care more simple and accessible for all students.
In order to be eligible for the free service, students must be active and enrolled at the end of each month to maintain TextCare coverage for the next month. Students who are enrolled in certain programs that require proof of health insurance are not eligible to utilize TextCare.
According to an article on Lincoln Memorial University's website, university president Jason McConnell is quoted as saying, “We recognize the barriers that can stand between students and timely medical care. TextCare is one more way we’re removing those barriers and making student well-being a priority. This service is especially impactful for students in rural placements, those with limited transportation, or anyone managing packed academic schedules. It’s about meeting students where they are—literally.”
For more information about Lincoln Memorial University, visit the school’s website.