Making a Difference for Prescription Drug Safety
Here at Straight Talk, we’re usually talking about things that drive up your healthcare and health insurance costs. So, it’s nice to be able to share some good news with all of you!
Author: Michael Bertaut Healthcare Economist Michael Bertaut (BURR-toe) is a Certified Health Consultant and Professional of the Academy of Healthcare Management. He has more than 30 years of analytical experience in the healthcare, telecom and retail industry sectors. On the ground in D.C. when the healthcare reform law (PPACA) was written, Michael has taken part in more than 1,100 public discussions on healthcare costs and the impact of reform since 2009. Mike is a fellow of the Academy of Applied Politics at Louisiana State University, and author of this Hermes Award winning healthcare blog. Michael earned his MBA and BA from Louisiana State University and just celebrated his 35th year as a cancer survivor.
Michael is recognized as a national commentator on healthcare reform, quoted in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and state and local publications. He is a regular guest on the Talk Louisiana radio show.
Blue Cross Leadership Is Moving On Chronic Disease and the Social Determinants of Health
I’m always in awe of the intelligence and credentials of the people I work with on a day-to-day basis at Blue Cross. A great example is Dr. Vindell Washington, our chief medical officer.
I just got a giant bill from the IRS! What did I do wrong?
As I sit here in mid-April, I can’t help but think of all the times in the past four years I’ve been confronted by folks who got HUGE tax bills at the end of the year because they bought their health insurance on healthcare.gov, made some errors computing their income and got hit with a surprise bill. This is a great time to review how the Advanced PremiumTax Credits on healthcare.gov work and how to avoid getting nailed with a huge tax bill at the end of the year.
Age Rating Ratios: Mike Breaks It Down
Age is a big factor in how much medical care people are expected to use. But the ACA made the ratio between how much we are allowed to charge a 64-year-old versus a 21-year-old too small. Mike Bertaut breaks it down in this new video that helps explain why young people are being priced out of the market and driving up costs for everyone else.
Blue Cross, through NOLAHI, Invests Directly in Improving Outcomes for Diabetics
As a person with Type 2 diabetics in my family, I’ve seen the struggle, up close and personal, of having to stick yourself multiple times a day, record your blood sugar levels and then convert that on the fly into some kind of medicine dosing. Calling it a messy process is being kind.
Alertgy wins NOLA Health Innovators Challenge Diabetes Pitch
Note from Mike: I was at this event earlier this week. I’m really excited to see the amazing work these firms are doing to fight diabetes. I’ve talked before about the cost of treating chronic conditions. I’m amped about new tech that can help doctors and health plans like Blue Cross stop some of the tragic results of diabetes. These advances can save money and improve lives at the same time. Here’s more about the event and the winner.