Message from Jean Haynes, President and CEO
Geisinger Health Plan
The passage of health-care reform legislation marked a historic moment for our nation. This legislation - primarily focused on health insurance - was a first step in health-care reform. However, legislation of this magnitude will undoubtedly have unintended consequences. Additional legislative changes will be forthcoming and aimed at modifying the existing bill. There is also an additional need to enact positive changes regarding the actual delivery of and payment for health-care services, which Geisinger Health Plan and Geisinger Health System are uniquely positioned to address.
As Geisinger Health System's President and CEO Glenn Steele stated, "It has been an unfortunate part of our country's health financing system that providers are paid to provide more services, not more value." That is why the current cost trend of health care is unsustainable. Piece-rate payment incentives, fragmented provider and insurance markets, and the lack of widespread application of best practice and evidence-based care play a role. Geisinger, as an integrated health system, has been and will continue to address these barriers.
Programs such as Proven Health Navigator and ProvenCare have earned us national recognition for providing improved quality, coordinated care, and patient engagement, while also addressing rising health-care costs. In addition, our new employer options like Smart Steps have us well positioned to be the leading health plan in our region. Smart Steps encourages and rewards members who are an active participant in their health care. Programs like these are part of the solution to funding universal coverage and the key to truly changing the health-care system in a positive way.
I am confident Geisinger Health Plan and Geisinger Health System are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of national health reform. This legislation will allow our organization to play an even greater leadership role in changing the way health care is financed and delivered. By continuing to leverage our "Sweet Spot," GHP and GHS will continue to work together to find new, innovative ways to provide higher quality care at a lower cost.
Click here for a list of health-care reform changes.
Click here for frequently asked questions about health-care reform.
