Interview: Michael Samuelson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Michael Samuelson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, chair of the Health, Wellness and Prevention track of the Consumer Health World conference thinks a a paradigm shift is inevitable – the recognition that whether you want the system to change or not, it will change because it is broken.
The current treatment model, which is designed to fix people once they have a problem, will no longer work. The health care system only kicks in once there is a disease or a problem that needs treatment. We need to focus on prevention. By spending a little time, effort and energy up front, to reduce long term problems and costs to both individuals and the system, the healthcare system can avoid the serious medical costs that are currently crippling the system.
Insurance companies will start to offer wellness and prevention services because employers are demanding them.
It’s about time. Prevention is the key. As a young married woman with 3 children in the 70’s I was appauled that my insurance didn’t cover preventive care. As a healthcare practice management consultant in the 80’s I was equally appauled and frustrated. It’s about time big business and insurance companies get it! The solution was obvious 20 years ago.