Lessons from the Germans

Here's an interesting article from McKinsey. This is an interview of a senior executive from the German Ministry of Health.

https://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Health_Care/Hospitals/How_Germany_is_reining_in_health_care_costs_An_interview_with_Franz_Knieps_2534

Call it "socialized health insurance" if you will. Don't get caught up with labeling it as "socialized medicine". U.S. politicians do a great job of scaring the American public of government run healthcare but neither the Obama Adminstration or the German's dictate which doctor you can visit or which hospital to receive services from.

The common denominator in both systems is that YOU as a customer (member) have the right to choose.

Things to think about leading into the next generation of healthcare reform:

• Mandated health insurance coverage e.g. car insurance is required for CA drivers
• Supplemental health insurance to cover "gaps" in coverage. The private market will create new products to meet niche needs.
• Uniform payments for prescription drugs and medical services based on evidence of performance
• Preserve the patients right to choose coverage or providers
• Focus on prevention, wellness programs and disease/care management
• Use claims data to match payments to outcomes