What do you get when old-fashioned community activism meets 21st century social media tech? Perhaps the best politics-is-local example of reforming healthcare access so far after its passage on a national scale. Howard County, Md. – approx pop. 250 000 — is partnering with a tech firm with one simple goal in mind: to guarantee access to healthcare for its uninsured.

Its mechanism looks to be a harbinger for reform-based enterprises such as local healthcare exchanges/cooperatives (whether subsidized or not) within which members pay a monthly fee for basic services. These services may run the gamut of primary care — as acute hospitalizations, preventive medical treatments and screenings, and emergency medical access would be covered.

Perhaps even more important, the utilization of concierge providers as healthcare “coaches” as both an empowerment mechanism and compliance tool, ensures continued healthcare access, sound preventive care, and decreased future healthcare costs. Will it serve as a model for state-based healthcare exchanges under reform? Looks like it’s on its way. | LINK

Related Posts Within Doctor Pundit:

1. Under Reform, Insurers Will Cover Certain Preventive Medical Costs The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, non-partisan body...
2. Some Maryland Hospitals Innovate with Their Own Brand of Care Coordination in Controlling Costs Medical necessity is a term that physicians once could claim...
3. ACO Rule under Reform Aims to Increase Cooperation among Providers, Hospitals No April Foolery here. The time has come: HHS has...
4. WH Launches Front-End Program to Expand Healthcare Delivery Ahead of Reform Grants in the total amount of over $1B will be...
5. Minnesota Makes Public Exchange Prototypes Are the citizens of Minnesota ready to take a look...