We are learning more about the proposed Amazon-Berkshire-JPMorgan healthcare initiative from an employment-related lawsuit filed by Optum, the former employer of a senior pharmaceutical hire made by the joint venture. Documents disclosed in connection with the lawsuit indicate that the new venture will seek to simplify and reduce confusion in accessing care – a prospect that… [Read More]
The Latest in Medical Cost Trends
Healthcare spending increased by 4.2% in 2017 according to a study by the Health Care Cost Institute, increasing to $5,641 per person for individuals covered by employer sponsored plans. This is almost double the 2.13% general inflation rate as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017. The study attributes this increase to… [Read More]
It’s Going to Get Noisy
At a recent Empire BlueCross BlueShield broker advisory panel meeting, I was both enlightened and surprised to learn that the in-network status of some hospitals and their systems may drastically change in the foreseeable future. We have all lived through the negotiation process of the big bad insurance company informing the public that a certain… [Read More]
Does Cuba Have the Answer to Remaking U.S. Healthcare?
As the transformation of healthcare in the United States continues, it was interesting to read a New York Times article about Cuban healthcare. While food and other basic living conditions are a concern in Cuba, healthcare is not. The government completely funds universal care and the results, as measured by infant mortality, are quite good – 4.0… [Read More]
Hospital Chargemaster Under Fire
If you’re paying attention to healthcare news you’ve seen the headlines before – hospitals suing patients for tens of thousands in emergency room charges or for a life-saving surgery. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, more outrageous news breaks and the uproar ensues. Centura Health recently sued a patient for charges not paid… [Read More]
