New directions in health care management
The structure of health care will change fundamentally in 2014 when state, federal, and private exchanges become a reality. The implications for employer-sponsored health plans are significant, and the decision will not be as simple as “do we continue to sponsor a health plan?” Instead, that decision will be nested in a human capital strategy that must address complex attraction and retention strategies, productivity and absence management tactics, data-sharing with new entities, administration requirements that impact internal and external call centers, and total rewards strategies.
Our parent company, Xerox, provides extensive support to 35 state Medicaid programs, more than 1,100 hospital clients, and some of the largest health carriers in the country. When combined with our deep experience in human resources and leading knowledge of health care reform and the impact it will have on benefit programs, Buck brings unparalleled client satisfaction on these issues.
Accountable care organization (ACO) development: Hospitals and health systems are assessing their alternatives and designing their strategies around ACO development due to health care reform. Buck’s ACO team assists clients with feasibility studies, SWOT analyses, implementation planning, and project management within their hospital or health system in the development of ACOs. On the employer side, we advise on plan designs that integrate national, regional, and local ACOs into their benefit plan structures.
Direct contracting and reference-based pricing: Plan sponsors have more access to actionable health data on their covered populations than ever before. As a result, Buck’s health management team assists employers with evaluation and direct contracting with key providers.
Health plan exit/exchange modeling: The ability to accurately model the costs of maintaining an employer-sponsored health plan is essential for plan sponsors to determine whether to stay in the game or consider a partial or complete exit strategy. Buck’s team, a multi-disciplinary group with experience in health and welfare, legal and legislative review, vendor management, communication, and administration, has developed a comprehensive, easy-to-understand model that provides a complete plan analysis and options for consideration.
Take a moment to learn how Buck worked with York International on a new approach to control their spiraling health care costs — one that focused on a corporate health strategy rather than simply a benefits strategy.