Toughest Questions Part 3: Why So Many Pharma Middlemen and Do They Add Value?
From our last discussion on why prescription drugs cost so much, you might remember we introduced this graph:
Balance billing is bad news you may not see coming
The only thing worse than bad news is bad news you never saw coming. It happens in healthcare with balance, or surprise, billing. Also known as a pain in the rear. In this video (3:59), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Mike Bertaut explains what balance billing is and how you can avoid it. Read more
Toughest Questions, Part 2: How Do the Drugs and the Money Flow Through Our Health Insurance System?
When you research the pharmaceutical business and why drugs make up such a large percentage of our healthcare spending nowadays, you’d better be ready for a few surprises.
How Can I Find Out What I’ll Pay For Care?
These days, we’re used to shopping around and getting price information for just about anything within a few clicks! But, it’s not that easy with healthcare. Unlike shopping for clothes, food and most other professional services, it can be tricky to figure out how much different healthcare services cost, or which part of those costs you’ll have to cover out of pocket.
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The Toughest Questions Series on Straight Talk | Part 1
In 2004, some 15 years ago, I began a new life’s journey when I accepted a position right here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Louisiana was SO different then. No Hurricane Katrina yet. No Drew Brees. No Super Bowl Championship. Nick Saban was OUR coach! And I had just moved into a brand-new house my wife designed and we built from scratch.
Kids Going Back to School? Put an Annual Checkup on the To Do List
I’m traveling this week and taking a break from writing. Instead, here is our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vindell Washington, with a post about keeping your children healthy. Why is this important to talk about on a blog about healthcare costs? Well, for one, it meets Blue Cross’s mission of improving the health and lives of Louisianians. Second, staying healthy is one way to keep healthcare costs down, as well as reduce missed days of school and work. I know that’s important to the people who read this blog.
– MB