LET US TAKE CHARGE OF REFORMING HEALTHCARE -
PART V
After recently identifying some fundamental flaws in our health care ‘System,’ allow me to propose some fixes. DISCLAIMER: This is my venue so I assume sole responsibility for the content of these Tips and the feathers they’re sure to ruffle!
1. On what planet does it make sense for Primary Care Physicians – the ‘Gatekeepers’ to health care – to be employed by the Health Systems that reward volume? I would gladly buy a Plan that offered me a stable of independent contractor PCP’s tasked with population wellness management. Some insurers may already be moving in that direction. (So Jon, does that mean you trust those “evil for profit insurers” over “non-profit” Health Systems? Hell, ya!)
2. On that same planet apparently, it makes sense for premiums and plan design out of pocket limits to be identical for Joe Lunch Bucket and Jeff Bezos. The results are predictable; Joe under-utilizes health care, to the detriment of
his well-being and long-term spending. It’s probably time for IRMAAs in the under 65 market, too. Until that happens, why can’t my insurer at least charge me less for achieving
certain health maintenance metrics? I’d gladly buy that Plan, too.
More next week.
