Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Billionaires' Initiative Targets Costs From Chronically Ill Patients, Which Make Up Vast Majority Of Health Spending
Stat: Gawande-Led Venture Taps Consulting Giant To Hone Strategy For Chronically Ill
The health venture led by Dr. Atul Gawande is working with a global consulting powerhouse to hone its strategy for improving care of chronically ill patients who account for the vast majority of medical costs, according to a person familiar with the arrangement. The partnership with Boston-based Monitor Group, the business consulting arm of Deloitte, signals a desire to deliver stepped-up services — enabled by data and modern technology — to frequent users of health care within Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase, the companies that hired Gawande to rein in their 1.2 million employees’ health spending. (Ross, 9/20)
In other industry news —
The New York Times: Life Insurance Offering More Incentive To Live Longer
Brian and Carla Restid, a couple in their mid-60s, bought life insurance four years ago to protect their lifestyle in retirement. A year later, they upgraded to a pilot program offered by the insurer to get fitter, healthier and more energized. In exchange for working to improve their well-being and providing details about the process, they have saved $700 so far in premiums. (Sullivan, 9/19)
Bloomberg: Orthodonists Aren't Smiling About Teeth-Straightening Startups
It’s easier than ever to get straighter teeth. Orthodontists think that’s a big problem. Where metal braces installed in a doctor’s office were once the only way to correct misaligned teeth, a new method that uses removable clear aligners can eliminate a visit to an orthodonist and save patients thousands of dollars. That’s what led Deniece Hudson, who always dreamed of having straighter teeth, to a startup called SmileDirectClub. (Wolf, 9/20)
