Toughest Questions Part 3: Why So Many Pharma Middlemen and Do They Add Value?
From our last discussion on why prescription drugs cost so much, you might remember we introduced this graph:
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.
Toughest Questions, Part 2: How Do the Drugs and the Money Flow Through Our Health Insurance System?
When you research the pharmaceutical business and why drugs make up such a large percentage of our healthcare spending nowadays, you’d better be ready for a few surprises.
How Can I Find Out What I’ll Pay For Care?
These days, we’re used to shopping around and getting price information for just about anything within a few clicks! But, it’s not that easy with healthcare. Unlike shopping for clothes, food and most other professional services, it can be tricky to figure out how much different healthcare services cost, or which part of those costs you’ll have to cover out of pocket.
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The Toughest Questions Series on Straight Talk | Part 1
In 2004, some 15 years ago, I began a new life’s journey when I accepted a position right here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Louisiana was SO different then. No Hurricane Katrina yet. No Drew Brees. No Super Bowl Championship. Nick Saban was OUR coach! And I had just moved into a brand-new house my wife designed and we built from scratch.
Kids Going Back to School? Put an Annual Checkup on the To Do List
I’m traveling this week and taking a break from writing. Instead, here is our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vindell Washington, with a post about keeping your children healthy. Why is this important to talk about on a blog about healthcare costs? Well, for one, it meets Blue Cross’s mission of improving the health and lives of Louisianians. Second, staying healthy is one way to keep healthcare costs down, as well as reduce missed days of school and work. I know that’s important to the people who read this blog.
– MB
How is Blue Cross Protecting Your Personal Data?
These days, all data is a prime target for cyber attacks and breaches. From malicious apps on Facebook that want to steal your photos to hackers who want your banking, health and other private information, you have to know who to trust.
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, our mission is to improve the health and lives of Louisianians – and that includes how we store, use and protect your health data. We carefully control who can see your data, and we have strong safeguards to make sure no one from the outside can get inside.