Straight Talk Podcast
Listen to Mike tell it Straight! Our Straight Talk podcast series brings you the latest information and updates on healthcare reform, costs & quality.
Episode 1: Straight Talk Goes Audio
Mike explains why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana created Straight Talk, and he breaks down the keys to creating a stable individual insurance […]
“Did you know that health insurance companies that participate in federal or state programs also have stricter gross margin/profit caps on that business? For example, the Medicaid health plans in Louisiana have to pay state and local taxes, and they pay for all administration on 15 percent of the payments they get from the state […]
I’ve always said that I can handle bad news as long as I know it’s coming. I think most people would agree with me on that one. Just don’t ambush me with bad news, and I’ll be ok.
One of the real growing concerns among our customers is a bad news ambush known as “surprise billing,” […]
Don’t you ever get tired of hearing it? I sure do, the same old song:
“Louisiana ranks 49th in compared to the other 50 states! We need to do something about that!” I really didn’t get what that was about. Until a few weeks ago…
Recently, I spent five days in California, specifically […]
Most of us have already been there. Someone very dear to you, a child, parent, brother, sister or spouse gets sick, and then really sick, and you get scared. And of course, it’s 11:30 at night on a Saturday! What to do?
As a first-time parent, I remember clearly being home with my six-month-old daughter one […]
The Olives: “The Grapes are Gutting Obamacare!! People will die!”
The Grapes: “Obamacare is FAILING! We need to repeal/replace it!”
On Thursday afternoon, May 4, 2017, the United States House of Representatives, by a vote of 217-213, passed the American Healthcare Act (AHCA). You may recall I talked at length about the proposed act. So now that […]
Drug Company Magic, Part 2
As we move further into 2017, I am increasingly concerned about the impact drug price increases have on your premiums. I’ve written before about the “magical” way drug companies arrive at their pricing.
To make matters worse, it’s very difficult for all of us as patients to make informed decisions about which […]
I know many of you who read Straight Talk faithfully will recall that on many occasions I have spoken directly about the way a good relationship with a primary care doctor who helps you manage things like your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can help extend your life.
When you track these important measures, take your […]
Blue Cross considers it an important part of our mission to improve the health and lives and Louisianians. We want to give our family, friends and neighbors financial security in their day-to-day lives against terrible illnesses, give them a clear path to improving their health and help them put off chronic disease for as long […]
Mike Bertaut appears on the Jim Engster Show to rehash the demise of the AHCA and to discuss what could be coming next out of our nation’s capital.
Mike Bertaut on the Jim Engster Show
