Category: ACA and Policy, Cost of Healthcare, Government Programs, Health Insurance

The Challenges of Staying “Louisiana Blue”

Way back in 2009, when I went to Washington, D.C. on behalf of your Louisiana Blue Plan for the first time, I discovered some amazing things. You might call me a wide-eyed, first-timer in the Big City (even though I was already 48 years old!) as I met lobbyists, legislators, staffers for a bunch of influential people, and policymakers intent on writing what eventually became the Affordable Care Act. Read more

Category: Uncategorized

The Nature of Trust

Just a few days ago, I was watching my 10-month-old grandson. He and I were cuddled up on the sofa watching one of his three favorite movies (I think it was “Winnie the Pooh” this time), and he was hilarious. Giggling and smiling and burying his head into my shoulder at the same time. Right then, I had a flashback to my own childhood. Read more

Category: Health Insurance

What’s in a Name … Louisiana Blue

I’ve always been astounded by how much the names we call people, i.e. “nicknames,” can be so different from a person’s given, legal name.

Sometimes there are good reasons for nicknames. When I entered first grade way back in 1967, there were FIVE “Mikes” in my class! Out of just 28 kids. Naturally, I became “Bertaut,” which ultimately was shortened to “BURR-DOE,” which I was stuck with all the way through high school. Even today, when I reconnect with my old high school friends, the name sticks. Read more