Garland council approves MD Pathways telehealth program amid public debate over opt-out billing

The Garland City Council voted 7–2 on Aug. 19 to approve a seven‑year agreement with Pathways Physicians Texas PLLC (MD Pathways) to offer a community telehealth service billed through residential utility accounts.

Supporters say the program will expand access to quick, low-cost medical consultations for underinsured and uninsured residents. Opponents and many public speakers objected to the council’s plan to add the monthly fee by default and require residents to opt out if they do not want the service.

MD Pathways will offer telehealth access seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. under the contract approved by the council. The plan as presented calls for a per-account monthly charge that starts at $6 in year one, rises to $7 in year three, $8 in year four and $9 for years five through seven. The city estimates about 81,000 residential utility accounts would be eligible under the agreement as written; businesses would not be included without an…