Neupert On Health - All Comments

re: Going Beyond Insurance Reform

Kas — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:36:11 GMT

you are on the exact point that "Key to reforming health insurance is separating it from employment, which would guarantee that individuals would not lose their insurance even if they were to change or lose their jobs. Most importantly, it would encourage new innovation in the health insurance industry"

these are the words/action that is required either it is possible or not, this should be granteed.

mycorner99.com/healthcare

re: Reform Health Care by Re-empowering Consumers

shailenago — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:00:37 GMT

Well, it’s amazing. The miracle has been done. Hat’s off. Well done, as we know that “hard work always pays off”, after a long struggle with sincere effort it’s done.

--------

mark gibs

<a href="http://medicalhealthblog.com" rel="dofollow">Medical Health Blog</a>

re: Going Beyond Insurance Reform

Shawn — Sat, 15 May 2010 14:58:56 GMT

Peter, what are you doing to introduce the concept of co-pays at your employer?

re: Going Beyond Insurance Reform

Douglas Thompson — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:35:19 GMT

For many years, America’s health brokers have been offering health insurance to individuals, small businesses and large businesses for decades, yet the enrollment statistics have revealed a steady decrease on an annual basis. The number of uninsured Americans is estimated to be as high as 30 million, and the Health Care Reform Act offers a solution. Not only will there be a higher enrollment number for America’s health brokers, but as of 2014, it will be required by law for every American to obtain health insurance. Every single American will be impacted by the New Health Reform Bill, making it one of the most important measures of the 21st Century.

Businesses

The main focus will be on businesses of 50 or more employees, in which they will be required to offer individual health plans, as well as family plans to all employees or face some stiff fines from the government. The amount comes to $2000 per uninsured employee, though there are exemptions to this fine. If you as an employer assist an individual with acquiring a personal health insurance plan through an open market called an exchange, then it would result in no fines. This only applies to an individual who makes a certain amount under the Federal Poverty Level, and the premiums are over 8% of his annual income.

America’s health brokers can rest easy in the fact that there will be expanded coverage, though there may be more competition. With the rise in individuals who will have health insurance, there may not be as large of a risk as one may assume. Though the new bill will require America’s health brokers to enroll individuals with pre-existing conditions, there will also be a new population of young individuals who will be insured with fewer health problems.

It is understood that larger companies already provide a group insurance plan (HMO, PPO) that covers all areas of needs for the population of employees. These policies will change very little, but there may be some changes in where the funding for the new health care plan will come. It is proposed that those making a certain amount of money, both individuals and couples, will be taxed at a higher percentage than others. This will provide money that can be used for the exchange and making sure that all individuals will be offered an affordable health plan.

There are still a few years before the plan goes into full effect, though some of the measures will be enforced immediately. There will be plenty of time to sort out the details and iron out the difficulties. As for the plan, anyone who does not have health insurance as of January 1, 2014, will be penalized a certain amount of money, and this amount could become worse if health insurance is continuously neglected. There has never been a better opportunity for America’s health brokers in terms of acquiring a new customer base-a broader customer base. Also, there has never been a better time in history for individuals being provided with the resources for the necessary medical treatment. This is a very unique time, with history in the making. Finally, there will be health care for all.

re: Going Beyond Insurance Reform

Ian Hepburn — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:11:16 GMT

I don't agree with your proposal that people pay for routing visits, etc., and only use insurance for catastophic events. Most people can't afford to pay for to pay for it.

I think the reason that so many people suffer from chronic conditions is because they did not have adequate preventative care, did not take care of routine things because they couldn't afford it, etc.

Insurance-based health care will always have an incredible overhead cost where the insurance companies spend zillions of $ analyzing claims, denying coverage, etc.

As in most of the industrialized world, medical care in the US should be a human right, not a for profit business.

re: The Ups and Downs of Managing my Own Health

Offbeatmammal — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:37:01 GMT

nice work - and a bit of inspiration.

it would be great to see tools like HealthVault become more commonplace and everyday so individuals can track all aspects of "wellness" (not just the traditional health measures) and use that to make recommendations to fend off potential issues not just track problems that have occurred.

link that to doctors and healthcare providers (incl insurance companies) and other professionals so they can see aggregate data in time to spot trends and run education campaigns etc and health care reform might just have a chance of making a real difference

re: The Ups and Downs of Managing my Own Health

Nick Duncan — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:46:50 GMT

Very interesting. I would be concerned about the drop in HDL. Exercise, red wine and garlic might help. Congrats on great strength of mind.

re: The Ups and Downs of Managing my Own Health

Gempel — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:06:48 GMT

Good post Peter. Diet can change the body better than medications. Your chart shows a nice decrease in just 3 months of a modified diet. Why can't we have incentives for people to manage their own health through proper diet rather than paying for continued medication? By the way, read the China Study when you get a chance. Congrats on your progress.

re: Going Beyond Insurance Reform

Ariana — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:33:22 GMT

This article is terrific and up to date. I totally agree with the writer regarding all this stuff.

I also came across a site that seemed interesting to me regarding the same issue,you can also check out them at http://www.health-insurance-houston.info/

Thanks

re: Three Simple Truths

Kadin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:14:55 GMT

I really did not know those Truths thanks you taught me

re: Before you finalize your Health IT shopping list

online gold jewelry — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:18:06 GMT

"Wow," it is actually nice to read a post from someone that knows a subject well and is able to get their direct across.I am really looking forward to your next post.

re: Health Reform -- Fixing the Core Problem or Just Symptoms?

Boucher — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:01:17 GMT

What about reducing inequality as suggested (as demonstrated) by the most recent research?

http://depts.washington.edu/eqhlth/

See the article in the Seattle Times that gave the info.

re: A New Place for Health Care Policy Debate

cord blood preservation — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:32:00 GMT

That is really very good article. I am glad to know. Thanks!

re: The right solution for the ‘population’ may be the wrong solution for the ‘individual’

Russ Hargraves — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:26:19 GMT

Just curious if you can provide any early feedback from the Scripps Translational Science Institute, Navigenics, Affymetrix and Microsoft study? It seems clear that creating a secure, unified, intelligent, and collaborative framework for individuals, patients, and families is the first step to realizing the benefits of Evidence-based medicine.

re: The right solution for the ‘population’ may be the wrong solution for the ‘individual’

Michael Toubbeh — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:42:05 GMT

Peter,

Actually all of the data shows that when you shift first dollar costs to patients they put off needed preventive care and medications and end up needing much more expensive care in the future. The best example of this is people who lack health insurance and those with high deductible plans or those who pay for an individual policy (in your State for a man your age it would be over $600 a month). I guess your health care costs are born by everyone who buys microsoft products though so it is hidden from you.

The average person is not in any position to shop for health care and you know clearly know that the bulk of the money is spent on the small 10 or 15% of people with chronic or life threatening conditions often in the last year of their life.

The best outcomes are being achieved by systems that pay for the first dollar of care for people who are diabetic or have high blood pressure and in France (which doesn't have socialized medicine) the sicker you are the more coverage and care you get up front.

Recently you blogged about your own families experience and it demonstrated that even highly educated very wealthy people like you don't make decisions based on cost or quality. You picked the most expensive hospital in the Seattle area even though the hospital (trauma center level) closest to your home costs 30% less and has higher quality outcomes.

Here is another simple example, there are over 1 million unnecessary hysterectomy's in the country each year but do you honestly think most women (the average literacy level in the US is about an 8th grade) would question their doctors advise? Would your wife suggest in the ER if your having a heart attack that you be transferred to a more cost effective hospital?

You seem so far removed from the reality of the typical American family who have an average income of $45,000 a year. Guess what they do? They do without meds and care and end up sicker and in our ER's.

re: Reform Health Care by Re-empowering Consumers

Russ Hargraves — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:12:50 GMT

It's clear, the United States needs to focus on re-engineering healthcare around the consumer. The United States is the second largest cellular market in the world. With 153 million cellular and Personal Communications Service (PCS) subscribers and a population of 300 million, a Microsoft unified HealthVault and Bing cashback incentive program for "Bing Mobile" could represents a tremendous opportunity to connect American consumers with HealthVault, M.Bing.com and HealthVault partner stores. By providing mobile consumers with "healthy" incentive alerts, bingbuster bargains on health and fitness products, prescription discounts, and personalized health and wellness information at the right time we could re-empower them to make better lifestyle choices and reward them with cashback savings.

Imagine, how a consumer health incentive initiative could help American consumers to make better lifestyle choices and take more control of their ongoing healthcare. Consumer Health Technology, Web-based Wellness and Empowerment programs like http://www.healthmedia.com a Johnson & Johnson company and Microsoft HealthVault will only continue to expand as we move forward. Taking charge of your health and making better health decisions via online personalized health, personalized wellness, and online social support and coaching are poised to revolutionize behavior change in the United States.

re: Three Simple Truths

web-tasarım — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:00:41 GMT

This is very good news was well informed that the followers of the issue I am. Thank you

re: Three Simple Truths

web-tasarım — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:00:08 GMT

Introducing such a topic you'd like to congratulate you've let us know.

re: The Six Billion Pound Challenge -- How a Focus on Driving Outcomes can Improve Health Faster and Better than Legislation

Larry Stofko — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:59:04 GMT

You have written a great and meaningful piece. Thank you for spreading this approach.

At St. Joseph Health System, we have partnered with American Academy of Pediatrics to fight childhood obesity with the creation of the Healthy For Life (H4L) campaign, which focuses on getting kids and their families to develop healthy lifestyle choices by incorporating both physical activity and a responsible diet. Healthy For Life is a comprehensive social and healthcare outreach initiative. This campaign focuses on the following:

Addressing environment issues - Community, Schools, Grocery Stores, and Home

Communicating with key audiences - Parents, Students, Teachers, and School Administrators

As part of Healthy For Life, 1,500 students in more than 47 Orange County schools participate in a free, curriculum-based physical education program that instills the importance of fitness and nutrition to obtain optimum and long-lasting healthy results. A physician and dietician from one of the SJHS local hospitals go to each participating school to help educate the students.

re: The Six Billion Pound Challenge -- How a Focus on Driving Outcomes can Improve Health Faster and Better than Legislation

philippe Boucher — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:30:25 GMT

Not a word about all the corporations that sell the food that is the cause of this obesity? How come?

re: The Six Billion Pound Challenge -- How a Focus on Driving Outcomes can Improve Health Faster and Better than Legislation

Wellescent Health Blog — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:10:40 GMT

While I am certainly in favor of prevention, more than encouragement and marketing is going to be required to get people in shape. The combination of feeling good from eating food and feeling bad from being overweight/obese, out of shape, and generally discriminated against has many in the population in a vicious cycle that really requires medical intervention.

Simply knowing that you are out of shape, at risk of disease and death has hardly been a motivator so far. Likewise, showing some sports figures, actors or models with amazing abilities and bodies is hardly going to motivate most of us to get active when we don't contain that internal motivation already.

Programs widely exist for nicotine addiction, narcotic addiction and alcohol addiction, but the prevalence of food addiction programs isn't as widespread even though it has some very similar characteristics. Its time to treat obesity as a medical condition for which doctors recommend and manage treatment.

re: The Six Billion Pound Challenge -- How a Focus on Driving Outcomes can Improve Health Faster and Better than Legislation

Jonathan Abbett — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:48:18 GMT

You note that "losing weight is hard work," but I think you seriously underestimate the behavioral reconditioning necessary to end Americans' addiction to cheap, ubiquitously accessible, hyperpalatable food.

Read former FDA head David Kessler's book, The End of Overeating. Understanding the psychology and physiology of why we overeat is absolutely necessary before proposing a solution.

re: Three Simple Truths

otomatik kapı — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:53:23 GMT

Write about your health liked it very much thank you

re: Three Simple Truths

web tasarim — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:24:40 GMT

I have read your article about the health of this article was to write a good thank you

re: Learning from Singapore and Switzerland

GloriaLiao — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:34:39 GMT

Thank you for sharing your personal story in the earlier blog. Best wishes to your wife's recovery.

In our busy life, we often forget to put our health as top priority. I'm from Toronto, Canada and as a summer student (many years back), have volunteered in one of the city's General Hospital's health records department. My job was to file patients' health records stored in a room full of paper files and folders, organized in alphabetical order. The files and folders would pile up in carts and we'd filed them away throughout the day.

It is now great to see that technologies such as MSFT HealthVault are helping to modernize health care. It seems Canadian government is also investing in E-Health - read about the http://www.ehealthontario.on.ca/about/index.asp.

Hope healthcare system would become more efficient worldwide and affordable to everyone.