TexHealth

12/04/2024

Study Finds Lack of Health Insurance Drives Racial Disparities in Advanced Cancer Diagnoses

A new study by the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals that lack of health insurance significantly contributes to racial and ethnic disparities in advanced-stage cancer diagnoses. Analyzing data from 1.9 million patients with 10 screenable cancers, researchers found that health insurance accounted for a substantial portion of disparities in late-stage diagnoses among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander populations compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The findings highlight the importance of expanding health insurance access to reduce barriers to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, with ACS advocates urging policymakers to strengthen provisions of the Affordable Care Act to improve health equity and outcomes.

A Word From Our President:
It's disheartening to see so many people neglect their health for years. Early detection and preventive care are crucial for maintaining optimal well-being. Many individuals we encounter at TexHealth Central Texas haven't seen a doctor in years. Through their first well-visit, they've discovered underlying health issues that, if left unchecked, could have led to serious complications. Fortunately, they found TexHealth at the right time. Let's prioritize our health and encourage everyone to schedule regular check-ups. Remember, your health is your greatest asset!
Share the benefits of TexHealth Central Texas with your friends, family, and colleagues. Help us improve the health of our community.

To read the full article, visit the link below.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-lack-health-coverage-disparities-advanced.html?utm_source=dailyinsurancereport.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily-industry-report-november-1&_bhlid=859984496d5dc5e2e8f8c3dcef40d2df30d8a479

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11/22/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

TexHealth is proud to announce the launch of our newly designed website! 🌟

Our refreshed platform is designed to make it easier than ever for small businesses and their employees to access the resources they need to thrive.

Our mission has always been clear: To provide access to affordable healthcare coverage and improved health outcomes for small employers and their employees within Texas.

The impact speaks for itself:
✅ 8,000+ Lives Impacted
✅ $9 Million+ in Non-Tax Subsidies reimbursed through our Premium Assistance Program
✅ 1,000+ Small Businesses Served
✅ Partnered with 60+ Insurance Agents

TexHealth is dedicated to creating a healthier Texas, one business at a time. Check out our redesigned website and see how we’re making a difference every day
https://texhealthct.org/

Additionally, please follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as share our link with any small business owners who might benefit from our premium subsidies.

Empowering Texas Employers To Lower Healthcare Premiums and Promote Employee Health Join The Movement About Us We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and we’re committed to making that a reality for the hardworking people of our community. Learn More https://aom.tuq.myblue...

11/06/2024

Value-Based Care Advances Despite Financial, Data, and Engagement Challenges

At the recent NAACOS conference, healthcare leaders explored the ongoing shift to value-based care, which emphasizes patient outcomes and cost reduction. Leaders like Dr. Geoffrey Nicholson and Dr. Jamie Reedy noted that while this approach improves care quality, challenges remain in data integration, financial sustainability, and specialist engagement. Although private insurers have made strides with value-based agreements, aligning these models with specialty care remains complex. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for flexible payment structures, as many health systems rely on commercial payers to support government-funded programs. Moving forward, better data integration, patient education, and collaborative partnerships are essential for making value-based care successful and sustainable.

Comments from our CEO James (Jim) Rodriguez, FACHE:
“Having been through the advent of HMOs and the wars they created decades ago I know the hurtles that confront any change initiative, especially in healthcare delivery. However, value-based care is not unlike what has been done in the recent and not-so-recent past. But switching the risk from payor to provider has been especially prickly for some. The old adage thrown at payors of withholding care to save on cost will begin being used in the delivery field and many providers know that and dread that possibility. None, I’m sure would ever even consider that, but the dollar has a mesmerizing pull that even the most stalwart may fall victim to. Given these temptations there must be a way to share the risk so not one party (payor or provider) are left holding the proverbial bag. Sharing risk among the best and brightest minds will be fertile ground for gains in health and finances.”

Read the full article by Hayden E. Klein by clicking the link below.

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10/28/2024

Rising Insurance Premiums in 2025 Trace Back to Affordable Care Act's Unintended Consequences

Health insurance premiums are set to jump 7% in 2025, continuing a trend of rising costs that has frustrated consumers. Surprisingly, the roots of today’s escalating premiums can be traced back to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. Despite its original goal of lowering healthcare expenses, the ACA triggered a wave of market consolidation, leading to fewer competitors and higher prices. Major insurers and healthcare systems have merged into powerful entities, making it easier to raise costs. To reverse this trend, the article by Forbes calls for a transparent, competitive healthcare model that ties pricing to quality outcomes.

Comments from our CEO James (Jim) Rodriguez, FACHE:

This is a very interesting article. I was surprised to read its claim that the ACA has to take responsibility for the high rate of health insurance and healthcare in general. I would like to say it’s not true because of the successes of the ACA but when I think about it, I see where the author is coming from. In the small group market in Texas there are only 2 fully insured small group carriers! (I wrote about this recently). They are United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Luckily in Central Texas there is also Baylor Scott & White and other regions have similar small players like them. Humana dropped out of small group, Cigna and Aetna don’t want small group and there is no ACA SHOP plans available in Texas. So, with so little competition it’s no wonder the rates are going so high. Combine that with the easily attainable cost sharing federal subsidies for individual coverage on the exchange, it’s no wonder rates are going up. While cost-sharing subsidies have helped many people afford coverage, they can also contribute to higher premiums. As insurers anticipate receiving more subsidy payments, they may increase premiums accordingly.

To read the full article by Forbes, check out the link below.
https://lnkd.in/e7V_iF73

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10/22/2024

⚡️Breaking News in the Health Insurance Industry ⚡️
4 nonprofit health systems have launched new health plan, Longitude Health

Comments from our CEO James (Jim) Rodriguez, FACHE:

Ok health insurance carriers…pay attention! Four (count them, FOUR) health systems have banded together to offer a new health plan called Longitude Health. The four owners, investors, operators are Baylor Scott & White Health, Memorial Hermann Health System, Novant Health and Providence. It appears that these delivery systems decided to take the plunge because of the carrier turmoil in their respective regions. For example, in Central Texas there are now only 2 major small group carriers with any real gravitas. They are United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield with Baylor Scott & White health plan trying to make inroads. And while the literature is shouting that rate increases for 2025 are going to be in the mid-single-digits we are seeing double digits across the board. This new entre may not bode well for the majors.

To read the full article by Modern Healthcare, visit the link below.
https://lnkd.in/g3EPYn5Y