Medical Care
Trends in Health Plan Benefit Design & Impact of HSAs on Use
2024-11-27
Managed Healthcare Executive editors had the opportunity to engage with Paul Fronstin, the director of Health Benefits Research at EBRI. They delved into the various trends in health plan benefit design and explored the significance of high-deductible health plans and HSAs.

Challenges Faced by Employers

Employers encounter difficulties in motivating the utilization of high-value healthcare while effectively managing costs. As noted by Fronstin, there is a need to find ways to incentivize the use of high-value providers, yet achieving this balance has proven to be a challenge. For instance, the IRS's 2019 decision to make certain preventive services like insulin covered before deductibles led to 75% of employers promptly adopting at least one of these services. This shows the potential impact of such decisions on employer behavior.

It is clear that employers are constantly striving to strike a balance between providing quality healthcare and controlling costs. The ability to incentivize the right behaviors is crucial in this regard.

Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans and HSAs

Regarding high-deductible health plans and HSAs, Fronstin pointed out that higher deductibles initially lead to a decrease in healthcare utilization. However, over time, this usage stabilizes. He also compared the differences between the impact of HSAs and deductibles, highlighting their unique characteristics.

HSAs offer the potential for long-term savings, but many people currently use them to cover immediate healthcare costs. This shows the need for better education and understanding of how HSAs can be utilized effectively.

Recent Studies and Preventive Care

Recent studies have revealed an interesting trend. When certain drugs were removed from deductibles, there was a slight increase in medication adherence. This emphasizes the importance of accessible preventive care and how it can have a positive impact on patient outcomes.

It is evident that these findings have significant implications for the future of healthcare. By making preventive care more accessible, we can potentially improve overall health and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

How Nate Volk's Career Shift Led to Michigan's Home Health Aide Shortage
2024-11-28
Nate Volk's journey from a legal career marked by burnout and a lack of fulfillment to a fulfilling career as a home health and personal care aide is truly inspiring. Facing the challenges of a profession that no longer brought him joy, he took a bold step and started helping his elderly family members. This seemingly simple act opened up a whole new world of meaning and purpose for him.

Discovering a New Path with Compassion and Care

Section 1: The Burnout and Decision to Change

Nate Volk once thrived in the legal field, but over time, the demands and pressures took a toll. Burnout set in, and he realized that he needed to find something more meaningful. The lack of fulfillment became unbearable, and he made the difficult decision to end his legal career. It was a turning point in his life that led him on a quest for a different path.This decision was not taken lightly. Nate Volk spent a lot of time reflecting on his values and what truly mattered to him. He knew that he wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and he believed that he could find that in a different profession.

Section 2: Helping Elderly Family Members and the Shift

As he began helping his elderly family members with their day-to-day tasks, Nate Volk discovered a new sense of purpose. The satisfaction he felt from providing practical assistance and showing kindness was unlike anything he had experienced before. This small act of kindness grew into a larger mission.He realized that he had a talent for caring for others and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. With this newfound realization, he decided to pursue a career in home health and personal care. He trained hard and became a skilled home health and personal care aide in the Bay City area, where he has been working for the past 17 years.

Section 3: The Impact and Rewards of the New Career

Nate Volk's new career as a home health and personal care aide has had a profound impact on the lives of his clients. He provides not only physical care but also emotional support and companionship. His clients often describe him as a lifeline, someone who makes a difference in their daily lives.The rewards of this career are immeasurable. Nate Volk gets to see the positive changes he makes in people's lives every day. He knows that he is making a difference, and that gives him a sense of fulfillment that he never experienced in his legal career. He has found a career that allows him to combine his skills and compassion to help others, and he is grateful for every day.
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Rosa Wims: Rochester's Thanksgiving Icon for Decades
2024-11-28
Rosa Wims was a remarkable figure who had a profound impact on Rochester. Her unwavering dedication to the community and her famous Thanksgiving dinners stand as a testament to her spirit and generosity. From her humble beginnings as a nurse's aide to becoming a trailblazer in healthcare, Wims inspired countless with her achievements.

"Remembering Rosa Wims - A Thanksgiving Legacy in Rochester"

Rosa Wims: A Healthcare Trailblazer

Rosa Wims faced significant obstacles on her path to becoming a nurse. In the 1950s, she took on a cleaning job at Rochester General Hospital. However, her supervisors recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue the hospital's nurse's aide training program. This led to her becoming the first Black nurse's aide and later the first Black licensed practical nurse at the hospital. After a remarkable 28-year career, she retired in 1984.

Her determination and hard work opened doors for future generations and showed that with perseverance, one can achieve great things. Wims' story is an inspiration to all who strive for success in the face of adversity.

The Rosa Wims Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

In the 1970s, Rosa Wims started a tradition with a modest turkey dinner for 25 people in an old storefront on Jefferson Avenue. Over the years, this event grew exponentially, serving hundreds annually. Doctors, nurses, and volunteers came together to distribute meals, making it a true community affair.

For Wims, the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner was not just about providing food; it was about fostering a sense of community and gratitude. As she said in a 2016 interview, "I saw a need," and she used her actions to meet that need. Her selfless dedication to helping others is truly remarkable.

Honoring Rosa Wims' Contributions

Rosa Wims was honored multiple times for her outstanding contributions. In 2015, she received the W. Burton Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her lifetime of service. Additionally, former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren proclaimed November 6 as "Rosa Wims Day," further solidifying her place in the city's history.

These honors are a testament to Wims' impact and the respect she earned from her community. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to make a difference.

Passing the Torch

Even in her later years, Rosa Wims remained active and involved in the community. She would often "retire" but always found her way back to the dinner table for the Pre-Thanksgiving meals. In 2020, at the age of 97, she decided to step back for good.

The cancellation of the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner in 2020 due to the pandemic was a significant event. It marked the first time in 35 years that the tradition was not carried out. However, Wims' influence lives on through the many lives she touched and the lessons she taught.

Wims attributed her longevity to staying active and passing on her knowledge to the younger generation. Her words of wisdom continue to resonate with people today.

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