Mercy health is not requiring its providers or employees to get vaccinations of COVID-19, but those who are still unvaccinated will face additional measures.

Mercy health is offering its employees the option of getting vaccinated or pay a monthly charge into a risk pool that “recognizes the additional risk and added cost to Mercy health of being unvaccinated.” Unvaccinated employees will be tested weekly and have to wear a mask at all times.

They compare this approach to young drivers paying more for insurance because they are at a larger risk for the insurance company to lose money.

“We require all of our staff, in all they do each day to assure patient safety while serving our patients. The new policy provides employees a choice, while also encouraging them to get vaccinated and the requirement of weekly testing and masking at all times assures patient safety,” said Javon R. Bea, President/CEO of Mercy health.

The monthly fee depends on the employee’s pay and ranges from $60 to $265.