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Smith W. Hartley
President, Chief Editor
Editor's Desk - Nov/Dec 2011
Greetings,
I would just like to announce to our Baton Rouge
readers that in January 2012 we will produce the
first Healthcare Journal of New Orleans.
Since July 2007, we have been privileged to be the source of
healthcare news, information, and analysis for the greater Baton
Rouge region. It’s been our pleasure and now it’s time to explore
an entirely new culture and unique healthcare system. I have
made a number of visits to New Orleans recently, meeting with
hospital executives and board members. There is no doubt this
is the perfect time for us to be covering the many healthcare
changes in this region of Louisiana. Analyzing healthcare for
both Baton Rouge and New Orleans gives us a better opportunity
to share some of the unique ideas and potential collaborations
that make us all better care providers.
And now, a quick note about healthcare costs…
There are a few silver linings in a tougher economy. Gasoline,
real estate, and other significant items are, for the most part,
kept in check through lower prices. The lower demands on many
of these industries, however, have not yet been realized with
health insurance premiums.
According to Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research
& Educational Trust, health premiums have increased 8% for
individuals and 9% for families over the past year. This is a significant
increase from 2010’s increase of 3%.
This increase has been challenging to fully understand and
explain for many policy analysts. The initial reaction is to assign
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the increase to
The Affordable
Care Act. However,
most of the effects
of this law will not
be known until
2014. The curious explanation for recent
increased premiums is attributed to anticipated
cost increases rather than actual cost
increases.
Actuaries who anticipate rising costs expected
from reform is a bit of an ironic situation
considering one of the key principles
of reform is cost reduction. Accountable
care organizations, as well as a broader
shift to managed care systems for Medicare
and Medicaid, are intended to decrease
costs while improving quality. So, we have a
bit of a disconnect.
Businesses and individuals are asking
why their health insurance premiums are increasing.
It is such an interesting question.
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