The rising cost of prescription drugs is a highly emotional topic that has genuinely impacted millions of Americans who struggle to afford needed medications. With that said, the emotions of this topic can often cloud the debate around what actions we should take as a country. So, before you engage this topic, I wanted to share 8 key things to know that will help you understand the challenges we face.

The legacy business model of the “general hospital” is one of the greatest contributors to the astronomical cost of healthcare. Through scientific progress (much of it developed in hospitals), sustaining innovations have turned hospitals into extraordinary venues for managing the complex medical needs of patients. However, as a result, the organizations have overshot the needs of patients with straightforward diseases that have proven treatments. This post will examine how we can reform the hospital business model to ensure patients receive the right care in the proper venue for a fair price.

The claims that big tech will disrupt healthcare are often met with justifiable skepticism. We have heard repeatedly over the past several years that these companies do not fully understand the industry and how to operate effectively within it. Additionally, we have seen many organizations claim “disruption” in their pitch decks, while very few make it past a proof of concept. How can a company that makes search engines or smartphones think they have any clue how to drive change in this complex ecosystem?

Medicare for All is an idea stemming from a simple principle, everyone in the US should have access to the healthcare they need. This is certainly an admirable position that I undoubtedly support. However, I do not believe Medicare for All to be the panacea that many supporters claim, or even a moderate solution to the high cost nature of our system today. The reason is equally as simple: prices.

I have been terrified of saying, let alone writing, that I have depression for a long time. But, given the shifting public climate around personal wellbeing, I feel it is time to add my own voice to the conversation.  Here are some tips for high achievers looking to overcome this disease.

The title of this post might seem odd for someone that will spend the next several years building tech for seniors at a Chicago-based primary care practice. However, to paraphrase Bill Clinton, “it depends on what your meaning of ‘for’ is.” I believe that independently putting technology in the hands of seniors will not meaningfully improve their care experience or their health. Instead, we need to build tech that compliments the human-driven experience rather than replaces it.

As I prepare to write a post diving deep into Medicare for All, I did some research to truly understand what the current Medicare Program costs both patients and taxpayers in the US. As someone with multiple grandparents on Medicare, I found this research helpful as we discussed their plan options. I hope this can help others as they consider the right option for their needs.