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.

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.

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A new rule about HRAs could change how small employers fund health insurance

The numbers in Louisiana are frankly not too good: only 20% of employers with fewer than 10 employees offer their employees a group health plan.

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Straight Talk’s healthcare economist, Mike Bertaut, appeared on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster on June 26, 2019.

He’s talking about the future of the ACA and what the courts and Washington, D.C., may do, prescription drug prices, balance billing, and how Blue Cross is using predictive analytics to improve your health.

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I know from experience that if I say the words “insurance company,” a lot of people immediately get negative.
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If we are ever going to get healthcare costs under control here in the U.S., it’s clear that we will have to get more Americans to develop relationships with primary care providers (PCPs).

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There is an ocean of healthcare data out there. And sometimes, it’s easy to feel like a ship floating in the middle of that water with no destination in sight. At Blue Cross, our lead data expert sees islands of hope as we analyze data and act upon the insights we learn. We find answers that lead us to innovations or confirm new ways that result in better care and health outcomes.
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