Case Study: Village of Algonquin, IL launching Tap
Launch Date: November 2025
“We realized that healthcare access is just like water or roads – it’s infrastructure. By implementing Tap, we’ve provided a system that gives all of our residents high-quality, affordable healthcare while protecting our community from avoidable emergency strain.”
– Tim Schloneger, Village Manager – Algonquin, IL
THE STRATEGY: HEALTHCARE AS INFRASTRUCTURE
In late 2025, Algonquin launched Tap (Text a Physician) as a public health infrastructure service, providing all residents with access regardless of insurance status.
THE CORE INNOVATION: “PRE-CLAIM INFRASTRUCTURE”
Algonquin is using Tap to build a protective layer upstream of the traditional healthcare system by connecting residents with medical providers in minutes via text message.
- How it Works: By resolving medical issues via text for a flat monthly fee, Tap helps prevent minor incidents from escalating into expensive insurance claims.
- Result: Treating a fever via Tap (flat <$10 cost to households/month) avoids a costly ER visit ($2,500) or Urgent Care claim ($200), acting as a firewall for community health costs.
WHY ALGONQUIN CHOSE TAP
- Health Equity: To provide a safety net for uninsured residents and those with high-deductible plans who were avoiding care due to cost.
- EMS and ER Diversion: To reduce the strain on local emergency services by handling non-emergencies (rashes, infections, refill requests) virtually.
- Visible Value: To offer a tangible, high-frequency benefit that residents can rely on when their families need care.
THE TAP DIFFERENCE
Most healthcare services are designed to be a gatekeeper. Tap is designed to be a gateway.
| Feature | Traditional Healthcare | Tap |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Experience | App Downloads, Logins, Waiting Rooms | Instant SMS, Text-First |
| Cost to Resident | Copays and Deductible up to Thousands of Dollars | <$10 per household per month |
| Eligibility | Insured and In-Network only | 100% of Residents |
EARLY IMPACT AND RESIDENT SENTIMENT
Since the launch, utilization has exceeded expectations. The Tap model eliminates the friction of traditional healthcare, leading to rapid adoption by hundreds of patients. This has already saved dozens of sick days for families and students while reducing the strain on emergency rooms by connecting patients with the right care through Tap.
