Letter to the Editor: Ending employee health clinic with Quincy Medical Group good decision by city

The City of Quincy has again changed its employee benefits package regarding health insurance.

The city will depart from the self-proclaimed “smartest man in the room”, Jim Baxter, in 2024 and begin a relationship with Gallagher Insurance Management. The switch is welcomed and greatly so by the city’s employees.

The city also has decided to officially end its employee health clinic with Quincy Medical Group. This clinic offered services free of charge to the employees. This clinic was initially set up and operated as a true employer clinic. Each year, costs became greater and greater as services and service providers became unclear with the entrance of Baxter into our lives. These services were eventually sought through QMG’s walk-in clinic and were of the simple variety when it comes to healthcare needs. 

You may hear from city employees who will bash this decision. I, for one, agree with the city on this issue (you often do not get that from me).

If you take a dive into the numbers as to what the city was paying QMG and what services were rendered, you will see that whoever decided to cut the employee health clinic in its current form is being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. This deal that was struck years ago between the city and QMG was thought to benefit both entities. It just did not pan out that way for the city.

I thank whatever city officials decided to cut the clinic and use my tax dollars responsibly.

I do believe revising this employee clinic would be highly beneficial. Maybe this time getting feedback from employees who use the clinic would be an excellent idea.

Also, thank you to the City Council for getting rid of Albert Baxter, I mean Jim Einstein, sorry Jim Baxter (the smartest man in the room). 

Robert MeGee 
Quincy Police Department 
PB&PA Unit 12 Union President