Health-care Credit Unions

OK, so here is a thought for you. What if we had an institution like a credit union BUT it was for healthcare. This has been an idea that has been floating around in my head for the last few days. So, why not put my idea down on 'paper'. Really, what is the worst that can happen? I mean I would have the same amount of results that we have seen from the U.S Congress.

Now, when I had mentioned this idea on my LinkedIn status I got a response of 'How is this different than Kaiser?' Additionally, the member of my network mentioned I should listen to the NPR interview with George Halvorson, the CEO of Kaiser Permanente. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106853465)

It was a fairly interesting interview, and it does seem to give a direction of where we could go. However, I still see Kaiser as an insurance company first and then a provider of health-care services. Hey, that is just my impression. I think there are some very good aspects, and I see it as a starting point. But, all things can be improved even if it is just a little or a lot.

The biggest positive of the Kaiser model is the NOT-FOR-PROFIT position of the company. This really puts the focus of the company on the true customer, wait for it, drum-roll, the patients and not stock-holders. The whole not-for-profit concept gives the idea (or illusion) that it is about helping people right from the get go. Also, my experience with Kaiser has shown me a company that is focused on using technology to improve the efficiency of the services they provide to patients.

Now, here comes the fun part. How can we improve it? I really think some of the ways are to try expanding upon the financial credit union model. The biggest idea would be to involve the patients as a part of the overall institution. So, as the credit union improves then so does your investment. The reward would be realize in lower premiums, when in doubt always impact the pocketbook to get a response.

1. What if a current financial credit union expanded into being able to offer health-care insurance? This could be an additional benefit of belonging to the credit union, having another option to gain access to health insurance. The credit union could offer their 'clients/ customer base' to a company that is similar to a Kaiser to achieve the group rate price which is so important to our current system.

If this was used, then you could also include a Health Savings Account as you method of paying for you health insurance and related expenses. In addition, this system could help to foster a sense of community between physicans, patients, and the the insurance company.

2. An underlying assumption to this concept is 'no person can be denied coverage'. This is such a cornerstone to any change that occurs. Based on this, it almost seems that a more radical change will be required. So, with that said I think we will need to have a separate type of entity for health insurance. I think this is the 'Health Unions'. An entire community would be included, and would pay into the system. Funds would be used to pay doctors, new technology, etc. Savings would be given back to the health union members in the forum of premiums that don't increase or maybe decrease. The use of HSA's would allow people to see their account funds increased, if they don't expense all of their funds. Here is where the overlap with a financial institution would be of benefit.

Again, there would be the underlying idea that people are only getting the tests they need. Or, doctors are no longer practicing 'defensive medicine' because of fear of lawsuits. Also, the shift in medicine would be to prevention rather than reaction. The pay structure for physicians would need to shift away toward something similar to Kaiser, where doctors get a salary. Almost forgot, I think it is important to say that we are focused on primary-care physicians, as these are the front-line warriors and who would be the ones that a majority of folks would need to deal with.

Ok, I think that is enough for now. The beauty of this issue is there is some much room and opportunity for discussion and real change.

Feel free to give me your feedback.

Wow. You just never know.

It never ceases to amaze me, what I will take away from an encounter with somebody. The person can be a close friend, old friend, new friend, brief acquaintance, co-worker, parent, roommate, whomever; all that matters is that you come away with something positive and MORE IMPORTANTLY you give away something positive.

Before, if I gave something away to the other person it usually focused on humor. I made them laugh, and hopefully the humor wasn't to sarcastic or nasty. Often, it wasn't.

Now, it feels like I am capable or more importantly, willing to give away more. It can be some positive feedback, or as simple as just listening. I find that I have so much to learn and there are all these wonderful people in my life to learn from. For once, I am much more open to listening and hopefully learning. I hope that I never become INDIFFERENT again. It seems like that was my default setting before, NOW I feel like I have to really try to put myself in that mindset, if I want to. AND, I am learning that it does NOBODY any good to be there. You close yourself off to learning from others, AND more importantly you CLOSE yourself off to helping/ teaching others.

Anyways, that was just a little thought I had rolling around in my head. And, I wanted to get it down. Later.