Apple to open boutique health care network for its workers

CUPE RTINO, CALIF. » Local denizens of the Spaceship and other Apple offices will be getting boutique medical care starting this spring.

The tech giant plans to launch a network of “AC Wellness” medical clinics for its employees and their families, according to the AC Wellness website, which describes the network as “an independent medical practice dedicated to delivering compassionate, effective health care” to Apple workers and their dependents.

“The centers offer a unique concierge-like health care experience,” the site said. The network will launch this spring, according to the site.

AC Wellness is now looking to hire at least 10 people for the network, including two doctors, a behavioral health therapist and an exercise coach, the site’s “careers” page says.

Job descriptions refer to “Apple Wellness Centers” in the Santa Clara valley and at the new “Apple Park” campus known as the Spaceship.

An AC Wellness job posting on Indeed, spotted by CNBC, touts “multiple stunning, state of the art Wellness Centers.” The job in question, for “lead care navigator,” requires expertise with Apple technology, as well as clean fingernails and “impeccable” personal hygiene.

Initially, the network will serve only Apple’s employee base in Santa Clara County, according to CNBC, which said it confirmed the iphone maker’s plans via sources familiar with them.

A number of employment listings refer to AC Wellness as a subsidiary of Apple.

In January, Amazon, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Jpmorgan Chase revealed plans to join forces to create a company to provide high-quality, affordable health care to their employees.

Companies are willing to try “almost anything” to cut rising health care costs, “which have been consuming bigger portions of their budgets for years and burdening their employees,” the Associated Press reported after the three business giants announced their plans.