We all use products made by Kraft and Heinz—cheese, ketchup, mustard. It is one of the biggest food companies in the country. They are suing Aetna, one of the biggest health insurance companies in the country over Aetna’s failure to provide full access to all of Kraft and Heinz claims data. This is the first in many fights over data and control between self-insured employers and the “insurance companies” that administer their claims.
We have our supplement insurance with Aetna this past year (Medicare Advantage) thru my husband’s retired teachers “union”. It is sooooo inexpensive but we have not given it a real test. I hope we don’t have to actually. BCBS normal supplement handled my hip replacement well last summer (2022). This is something to watch. Thanks.
That is the ultimate question really, isn't it. In fact, other developed countries have much more effective medical systems than we do. The citizens of Singapore live longer for one fourth the money. Europeans live longer for half the money.
I am working with other people to provide similar systems in this country that will serve families, businesses, and unions more effectively..
We need competition and with global plans the big guys won't even bother to form cartels or oligopolies they'll just straight up ignore the sick!
Some problems come from patent abuse (charge for the value of the patents and keep them permanently on auction to necessitate the most use of the patent not use it to artificially cause shortage and thus price spikes!)
Treatment should be paid into escrow and then after say x years the treatment should go to the producer if the patient is alive and well.
The other problem is doctors unions tend to make sure too few qualify to keep Doctor supply from matching demand and thus their wages high.
Competition will never solve the problem. The buyers don't even have access to how their money is spent. A procedure that costs $10,000 in one market may cost $150,000 in another without rhyme or reason. Our system needs a lot more sunshine.
I agree about patient abuse. Makes me so sad to see anyone suffer because someone determined you’re not valuable. Who determines this? I know health can deteriorate but how did we come to accept this? But we need to consider the point of this article but agree with your point. There is no common sense and everyone is focused on 💰
We have our supplement insurance with Aetna this past year (Medicare Advantage) thru my husband’s retired teachers “union”. It is sooooo inexpensive but we have not given it a real test. I hope we don’t have to actually. BCBS normal supplement handled my hip replacement well last summer (2022). This is something to watch. Thanks.
It is crazy. There are all kinds of hidden fees and charges that employers and unions don't even know about.
I just had surgery they charged “ facility fees”
The facility fee for a knee replacement can range from $10,000 to $150,000. The better care tends to be less expensive.
Thank you again for discussing this important topic. So concerning that we lack affordable common sense care. Everyone wants a profit it seems.
The middle men and money men control everything and the patients lose.
Are there any solutions that we can do to move the needle?
That is the ultimate question really, isn't it. In fact, other developed countries have much more effective medical systems than we do. The citizens of Singapore live longer for one fourth the money. Europeans live longer for half the money.
I am working with other people to provide similar systems in this country that will serve families, businesses, and unions more effectively..
https://williamhbestermannjrmd.substack.com/p/taking-the-first-steps-with-health
Just don't copy the UK! The NHS here is dismal!
Sounds like we need a global plan
We need extensive reform. If there are school systems, county governments, or employers in your area that have interest, we can work with them.
We need competition and with global plans the big guys won't even bother to form cartels or oligopolies they'll just straight up ignore the sick!
Some problems come from patent abuse (charge for the value of the patents and keep them permanently on auction to necessitate the most use of the patent not use it to artificially cause shortage and thus price spikes!)
Treatment should be paid into escrow and then after say x years the treatment should go to the producer if the patient is alive and well.
The other problem is doctors unions tend to make sure too few qualify to keep Doctor supply from matching demand and thus their wages high.
Competition will never solve the problem. The buyers don't even have access to how their money is spent. A procedure that costs $10,000 in one market may cost $150,000 in another without rhyme or reason. Our system needs a lot more sunshine.
I agree about patient abuse. Makes me so sad to see anyone suffer because someone determined you’re not valuable. Who determines this? I know health can deteriorate but how did we come to accept this? But we need to consider the point of this article but agree with your point. There is no common sense and everyone is focused on 💰