Category Archives: Transforming Health Care
I Have Seen the Future (of Healthcare) and It’s Not Bad…
If we can keep the politicians out of it, that is. I’ve just finished a period where I’ve seen things I haven’t seen in over a decade – specifically, a string of single-digit rate increases – some under 1% – and one actual reduction in rates! In Massachusetts, of all places.
The Dark Side of Group Broker Selection
Besides costing you money, selecting the wrong broker might just get you in trouble with the law. I know, you’re thinking, “C’mon, Jim, don’t overstate your case. It can’t be that bad to make a poor choice.”
New Massachusetts Health Care Cost Control Breakthrough
Harvard Pilgrim announced today that it’s rolling out a new cost control incentive for those covered by group health insurance in Massachusetts. The initiative is called SaveOn and the concept is to actually put cash into the hands of patients for choosing to use lower-cost, high-quality providers.
I Know What’s Wrong with Health Care in the U.S.
OK, it’s rant time. Prepare to be outraged. I know a guy who’s very sick. Recently, he had to go from his house to a Merrimack Valley hospital Emergency Room to be stabilized for a few hours, after which he was moved to a Teaching Hospital of Great Repute in downtown Boston. Serious stuff, obviously.
Will Employers Drop Coverage After Reform?
Healthcare reform, Obamacare, PPACA or whatever you want to call it is creating havoc in the marketplace. I, for one, come down on the side of the argument that says it’s terribly misguided. Our objective was to lower medical costs – and Obamacare does the exact opposite.
National Malpractice Reform Equals Lower Health Care Costs
One of the first bills of the legislative season, H.R. 5 (The “HEALTH Act” – Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare of 2011) has been introduced (January 29). I know that many attorneys will be up in arms at the thought of anything that restricts their ability to sue, but this appears to be a [...]
The Doctor Is In — The Workplace, That Is
Wellness is gaining traction among employers, and many are getting aggressive by providing care services at the workplace, and some (obviously the larger ones) are building onsite clinics, These programs have become the hub of a wide range of efforts to promote good health. Employers aren’t being altruistic; rather, they recognize that good health reduces [...]
Business Group Focuses On Cancer
“As serious as cancer” is a phrase writers and speakers use to indicate that they’re really serious about something. And with good reason. It’s scary stuff to anyone who has it or has a loved one who has it — and it’s costly stuff to employers, too. A big chunk of health care costs can [...]
Maternal Depression: What’s an Employer To Do?
A recent report discusses Maternal depression. It’s a serious and common disorder that can compromise a woman’s health, reduce her quality of life and reduce her functional status and may negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. Maternal depression is a common but serious disorder. It is also quite treatable. But while there are readily available effective treatments [...]