Coverage, prevention and research: Health care CPR for the 21st century

Susan Blumenthal, former assistant surgeon general and a leading health expert, gave brokers a detailed overview of advances in medicine, science and technology that can improve health in the U.S. (Photo: Emily Payne/ALM)

Brokers are concerned about the future of the U.S. health care system. They need to understand the changes coming their way so they can work with employers and carriers to design the best plans possible for their clients. Susan Blumenthal, former assistant surgeon general and a leading health expert, gave brokers a detailed overview of advances in medicine, science and technology that can improve health in the U.S. during her presentation, “How to breathe new life into the health care system,” at the 15th annual BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, April 3, in Miami, Florida.

“The tectonic plates of health care are shifting,” Blumenthal said, highlighting Amazon’s entrance into the space with “Haven,” the company’s joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase, with the goal of improving health care for the 1.2 million employees of the three businesses. The plan is intended to shelter the employees from insurance hassles and go-betweens and to lower the costs of care while increasing transparency. “Another by-product may be developing health care models that other businesses can use in the U.S.,” she said. “And while you [brokers] are not the target you could be affected.”