|
|
|
| Press & News |
|
From the Desk of Jeff Young, President and CEO Lighthouse1 |
|
|
October 15, 2009- On Tuesday October 13, 2009 I was honored to join a group of my industry peers at the Fifth Annual HSA Washington D.C. Briefing. Although a few noted speakers like HHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had to cancel due to the Senate committee vote on health care reform, 57 out of the 60 people invited were there. Nearly every major player in the HSA industry attended, banking leaders, insurance leaders, CDH technology leaders and industry influencers including David Randall of the CDHC Institute, not to mention a large representation from Lighthouse1 partners. All told over 80% of the health savings accounts in the U.S. today were represented in the room.
Being just a stone’s throw away from where the Senate Finance Committee was voting on the health care reform package that same day, the conversation during the HSA Briefing couldn’t help but turn to health care reform, and its impact on the consumer directed health care industry. Although the tone of the conversation was cautiously optimistic, there was considerable concern regarding the details of the eventual health care reform package. The group as a whole is committed to reducing the cost of health care and would like to see their organizations be part of the solution. At the same time there was concern that if the wrong changes are introduced in the final legislation, it could make it harder for Americans to take advantage health savings accounts and other forms of Consumer Directed Healthcare. Forms of care that are effectively helping tens of millions of Americans pay for their health care needs today.
Lighthouse1 led a discussion on technology innovation and it was clear we are well positioned to handle any eventual changes to the health care system. More importantly, our Partners can adapt appropriately to meet the changing needs of the industry, continue to grow and provide exemplary service to consumers. During the dialogue it was clear that technology and business process knowledge, like our industry benchmarks, are leading the next level of innovation for health care in this space. Lighthouse1 is providing a very strong solution for consumers, employers and administrators.
Most of the attendees in the room were in agreement that their ability to innovate and be a part of the health care solution made health savings accounts and other programs like them a strong conduit for impactful, cost-effective changes in the health care system today. Overall, the Briefing was an important milestone for the advancement of the consumer directed health care industry as we learn how to take Health Saving Accounts to the next level, where it can become an even more powerful asset for the American people.
On a side note - we are pleased to see, as CD HealthWire reported yesterday, that CDH plans continue to trend in a positive legislative direction and missed potentially damaging changes during the Senate Finance Committee review. HSA, HRA and flexible spending accounts all seem to be alive and well. We encourage you to continue to influence your employers and legislators as the work that has occurred in the last several months has strengthened the position of these very important and cost effective benefits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
