Healthcare for ALICE

Building a Healthier Community: How Small Businesses Can Support ALICE Workers with Healthcare Access

From the Desk of the CEO

At United Way North Central Florida, our mission is to improve lives especially for those most vulnerable among us including ALICE households--Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who work hard every day, often in essential roles, yet struggle to make ends meet due to the rising costs of housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare.

In Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties, nearly half or more of all households are either living below the federal poverty line or fall into the ALICE category. Many of these individuals are the backbone of our local workforce -- working in small businesses, service industries, healthcare, education, and construction. Yet, one unexpected illness or injury can tip their finances into crisis.

The Healthcare Gap

Lack of access to affordable healthcare is one of the most pressing issues facing ALICE families. While they may not qualify for Medicaid and cannot afford private insurance, many are forced to go without regular checkups, medications, or preventative care. This often leads to untreated chronic conditions, missed workdays, and costly emergency room visits that could have been avoid.

This is not just a health issue--it's an economic one. When employees are sick or stressed about medical bills, productivity declines, turnover increases, and communities bear the burden of emergency healthcare costs. That's why addressing healthcare for ALICE isn't just a moral imperative--it's smart community investment.

Small Businesses: A Critical Part of the Solution

Small businesses are at the heart of North Central Florida's economy. While many face tight margins, they are also uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their employees. Last month, during our Small Business United Educational Breakfast we hosted a panel discussion on Navigating Healthcare Options for ALICE in the Small Business Sector. Below are a few ways we learned how small businesses can support healthcare access for ALICE workers:

1. Explore Low-Cost Health Benefit Options
   There are affordable health coverage alternatives available today--such as association health plans, health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), direct primary care, and telehealth services. These options can provide employees with access to essential care without the high cost of traditional insurance. To assist with prescriptions, United Way North Central Florida partners with SingleCare to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications.
    
2. Promote Preventative Health Resources
   Small businesses can connect their employees to free or low-cost preventative services--like screenings, flu shots, and wellness checks--through local health departments, clinics, or mobile health units. 
    
3. Support Mental Health and Wellbeing
   Mental health is healthcare. Even if offering insurance isn't feasible, businesses can create a culture of support by encouraging work-life balance, sharing information about local counseling resources, or partnering with organizations that provide free or low-cost mental health support. Small businesses can also invest in health education and coaching to help employees improve their lifestyle habits.
    
4. Advocate for Local and State Policy Solutions
   Small business owners have a powerful voice. By joining advocacy efforts to expand Medicaid, increase funding for community health centers, or support initiatives that improve healthcare access, business leaders can drive systemic change for the ALICE population.

We All Have a Role to Play

At United Way North Central Florida, we are committed to working alongside local businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations to bridge the healthcare gap for ALICE families. Through our Healthy Community impact area, we invest in programs that provide accessible health services to those who need them most.

To our small business community: your employees are your most valuable asset. Supporting their health and wellbeing doesn't have to be costly, but the return on investment--for your business, their families, and our region--can be extraordinary.

Together, we can ensure that everyone in North Central Florida, no matter their income, has the opportunity to live a healthy, stable life.

Let's build a healthier community--together.