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.

Category: Government Programs

The Impact of Presidential Elections on Healthcare

Whew! I can’t tell you how happy I am when election season ends. I’m always hopeful for the new candidates, but also a bit saddened by the vitriol that seems to pop up prior to and during such elections, every time. That’s another reason to celebrate the end, I think.

I’m already getting emails….

“Mike, what does a new president and administration mean for Louisiana and health insurance?” Read more

Category: Health and Wellness

A Tale of Two COVIDS (with apologies to Charles Dickens)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times in the Bertaut household, and, oddly enough, both times were happening simultaneously.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, I started feeling a bit puny. Sinus-y and a little fuzzy around the brain. Over the next couple of days, those symptoms stayed about the same and I started feeling fatigued. On Saturday, Oct. 10, my daughter, who lives with us, started feeling bad and had a fever. She got tested for COVID-19. Her result was positive. My wife and I decided to go get tested. I was positive; she was negative. Read more

Category: Cost of Healthcare, Government Programs, Health Insurance

No Health Insurance? Don’t Wait, the Time is NOW and You’ve Got Affordable Options!

Note from Mike: Yeah, I know there was an election this week. We are waiting for the final results and I’ll be back soon with my take. In the meantime, remember that, no matter the outcome, health insurance for 2021 is not changing. Read the post below for more on your options next year.

You ever wake up and feel like you’ve got a bullseye on your back? Like there’s so much going against you that the most prudent course of action would be just to get back under the bed covers. Like, life’s going to just gang up on me again today so why bother? Read more

Category: Health and Wellness

Another Reason Not to Use Tobacco? COVID-19 in Louisiana

It’s not that often I go after a specific, single behavior, but today I’m in a mood. And I just went through COVID-19, so I’m especially fired up.

Blessedly, my symptoms were not that severe, and I’ve recovered well. But while I was sick, I read a LOT about the impact of tobacco use on people trying to recover from COVID-19, and the news there is not good, especially for Louisiana. I’ve got several pre-existing conditions that could have made my bout with COVID-19 worse, but thankfully tobacco use is not one of them.

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