Jennifer Graber, CEBS

Really good article on the state of primary care from a physician and if you read it, please comment below whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions.

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With the healthcare delivery system in the US facing various challenges, the evaluation of healthcare consolidation on Capitol Hill is crucial. The scrutiny reflects good intentions, but there are concerns about whether the underlying issues will be addressed thoughtfully. Partisan politics could impact care delivery and healthcare professionals. It's essential to monitor this trend closely as its implications may be more far-reaching than anticipated. #healthcare #healthcareconsolidation #enterpriseriskmanagement

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Did you know employers can benefit from supporting employees throughout their family-building experiences? Read this article to learn about the impact of comprehensive family solutions and the positive effects on both maternal and newborn health. #maternalhealth #personalizedhealthcare #healthoutcomes https://ow.ly/8SbW30sCjg8

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As we close out #DiabetesWeek, join me in raising awareness for diabetes and sharing experiences to help others. By fundraising for important research and attending events to learn more about managing this condition, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes. It’s not just about this week. As individuals with diabetes live with it day in and day out, we ought to keep fighting to raise awareness and effect change. #DiabetesAwarenessWeek #SupportResearch #RaiseAwareness 🌟💙

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The 12th edition of the America’s Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of health care for our senior population in the United States. As a geriatrician committed to the quality of care and well-being of our seniors, I find the data compelling to celebrate areas where progress has been made, and identify areas where challenges exist. Together, we can be united in helping our seniors live happier and healthier lives! Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gEVCxSac

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If you haven't already, check out one of my more recent articles on "Renal Replacement Therapies Beyond Dialysis"! What are your thoughts on the future of CKD treatments?

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A great deal to unpack in this article, but I would have to say that in Wisconsin, the government has already put a lot of money into dental care for folks who are more challenged financially, and it has not led to better results. Many times the dentists (who are more than happy to help people) were losing so much money that they could not provide care any longer. It will be interesting to see where this goes! #hr #cfoinsights #ceoinsights #employeeexperience #thinkingdifferently #hrbenefits

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Who: Ben Krambeck Where: West Des Moines, IA What: A 60 Minutes-style Interview Why: To share the powerful story of ClaimDOC We hope you enjoy this journalistic look at how ClaimDOC came to be. #rbp #referencebased #medicalpricing #medicalbilling #healthinsurance #insurance #claimdoc #selffunded

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9 Comments

Thakn you Chris deacon for pointing out the importance of understanding the true motivations behind many healthcare systems' interest in "improving care". As Chris states, "It's crucial to recognize that these "opportunities" may be less about patient outcomes and more about maximizing revenue through increased patient engagements." She references one hospital system CFO's recent comment, "As we look at the future landscape, the competition for customers will take this industry to another level. We're investing now to be ready to compete." Notice that he did not use the term patient, but rather customer. At least to me, this would seem to indicate more concern for a person's "business" versus their care. The top concern being how do they attract and retain the "customer's" business to maximize the financial opportunity. Instead of how do we deilver high-quality care at a reasonable price. Chris concludes quite accurately that, "This perspective counsels against any optimism that patients as people, rather than patients as profit, are at the center of this strategy."

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Did you know that over half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and between 2018 and 2022 total MA-EGWP enrollment increased by nearly 27%? As health care costs continue to climb, public sector purchasers increasingly turn to MA-EGWPs to maintain or enhance coverage while reducing immediate costs and long term liabilities. Read more https://lnkd.in/dibKkCgA from the National Policy Institute for Public Employee Health Care Policy's Report underscoring the significant role MA-EGWPs play in retiree benefits.

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In honor of National Nurses Week, this one is for all those that employ nurses. Top 5 considerations from a risk management and insurance standpoint: 1) Nurses are the frontline in healthcare. Proper nurse staffing levels, training and support systems can significantly reduce medical errors, falls, infections and other adverse events that can lead to liability claims. 2) As the frontline, nurses can identify potential risks to patients and lead by example through implementing preventive measures. 3) Professional liability insurance for nurses is critical and should be reviewed periodically to maintain proper coverage. Nurses can face allegations of malpractice, negligence and misconduct. Adequate insurance coverage is crucial for their financial security and peace of mind. 4) Explore the benefits of risk management education and training for nurses. Ongoing education on topics like documentation, communication, and patient safety can help nurses stay up-to-date with best practices and reduce the likelihood of adverse events. 5) Factors like adequate staffing, effective communication channels, and access to mental health resources can help mitigate risks associated with burnout, compassion fatigue, and job dissatisfaction, which can impact patient care quality. Much thanks and appreciation to all the #nurses out there! Contact me for a free and confidential consultation.

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2 Comments

One of the major factors in what is driving up the cost of health insurance is the escalating cost of prescription drugs. An article titled, “Drug Prices and Shortages Jeopardize Patient Access to Quality Hospital Care” was written by Bharath Krishnamurthy. It is an eye-opening description of a very serious problem facing our overall health system and as potential patients, our access to the necessary protocols for treatment. The article points out that these shortages are stretching already stretched resources of hospitals to cope. Related to this, the article mentioned that in 2023, drug companies continued to bring new drugs to market at very high prices and at the same time raising prices on existing drugs at very high prices. Unbelievably, the article reported that the annual median price for new drugs was $300,000. That is $25,000/mo. Which when covered by group insurance is paid for with collective premiums from a respective group who has a member who is prescribed one of these drugs. How is this sustainable? Regardless of who pays, private insurance or government insurance, we all pay either through higher premiums or higher taxes. What is mentioned is that generic drugs make up 83% of these shortages because they have low margins and the drug manufacturers don’t focus on producing low margin medications. Is there a solution immediately at hand? Probably not! Is there a solution or strategy that could be on the horizon? That remains to be seen. Di this happen overnight? Probably not! An ongoing contributing factor however, in my view, is an overall consumers of health care; the actual individual consumer continues to be oblivious to real cost; blind to this germinating Armageddon, and continues to exist in a bubble of “insurance” pays for it. One thought is we as consumers need to be more involved and aware. Maybe one day that will evolve. However, at the present time, I don’t think that will occur in my lifetime. What do you think? Article: https://lnkd.in/gqYrxKMC

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The Medical World is constantly evolving, impacting how we access care and the frequency of recommended screenings. "In the Loop" explores the recent changes, by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, in Breast Cancer Screening recommendations and sheds light on the rationale behind these updates. Additionally, the article delves into valuable insights on Ozempic. Stay informed with the latest developments in healthcare. #HealthcareUpdates #employeebenefits

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The term “artificial intelligence” (AI) presses all kinds of buttons these days. It certainly is a hot topic in medicine. Can you imagine an artificially intelligent doctor, perhaps an android with primitive emotions caring for people at the bedside? Don’t kid yourself, we’re halfway there – not to mention the other side of the coin: real physicians who come across as androids due to their lack of empathy. Read my latest viewpoint on MedPage Today to “flesh” out the details. Then watch a good sci-fi movie!

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If you haven't thoroughly read your #PBM contract, asked for explanations of the vague language, and negotiated more favorable language for your Plan, this webinar is a MUST see. Vital Incite: Population Health Solutions and is bringing us another timely topic, that will help all Plan Sponsors that are trying to understand the new fiduciary obligations of the #CAA as well as it's role in the recent J&J lawsuit.

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Understanding the unique needs of different generations is crucial in providing them with the right coverage. Seniors often seek the most comprehensive insurance they can afford, but many misunderstand Medicare Advantage's limitations. Join Brandon Clay and myself for an exclusive Drip the HIP Wired event Live on LinkedIn this Tuesday, June 4th, as we dive deeper into bridging these gaps and ensuring better security for our seniors. #InsuranceInsight #LinkedInLive #MedicareAdvantage

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"Intensity analysts estimated the costs of Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs would range from $1.9 and $2.7 billion a year, less than 2% of annual drug spending. This figure does not include the estimated cost offsets of treating obesity. Analysts estimated Medicare would save about $500 million in obesity-related costs annually." Benistar Administrative Services, Inc. Worldwide Employee Benefits Network NABIP BenefitsPRO Employee Benefit News SHRM State and Local Government Benefits Association Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) National PELRA AHIP Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. Medicare Rights Center American Benefits Council National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC) George Kaiser Family Foundation KFF Better Medicare Alliance U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers National Labor and Management Conference AGRiP (Association of Governmental Risk Pools) Illinois Municipal League ASCEND Agency Growth & Leadership Summit Midwest Coalition of Labor Becker's Healthcare Tara Lane Kelly Loussedes Eli Tate #medicare #medicareadvantage #retirementgoals #groupbenefits #retirementplan #retireemedicalbenefits #benistar #retireegroupbenefits #medicaresupplement #egwp #seniors #retirees

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