I recently celebrated a special anniversary. Just a year ago my right hip was resurfaced, and I’ve been reflecting on all that has occurred since then. The surgery – and the care I received afterwards – helped me value good health care now more than ever.
As part of my post-surgery rehabilitation I attended a “gentle joints” class with about 20 other people. We exercised in a warm water pool at a local health club. One classmate and I struck up a conversation. I learned that she worked at the state of Wisconsin, and I heard her concerns about healthcare. In turn I explained the benefits and features of a flexible spending account. While the conversation between us provided no direct “value” to me or to TASC, I felt I had a responsibility to offer the information.
As Americans we are fortunate in many ways, and many of us have quality healthcare in place. At the same time, we feel strongly that such care needs to be provided to all of our neighbors. Each and every one of us is responsible for making health care accessible and affordable. No matter our political position, no matter what system or market reform we prefer, no matter what we call that reform – consumer directed, defined contribution, etc. – we have a responsibility to help wherever possible.
As I wrote in my April 2, 2008 blog, I have played many parts in the healthcare industry during my career. Back in the 1980’s I sold life, health and disability insurance to farmers and small businesses. Now fast forward to the present: at TASC I am an experienced third-party administrator serving employers and agents in niche areas surrounding health care, and I am an employer who provides employee benefits to nearly 300 employees.
Some people say experience is everything. Of course I’d prefer to have solved my hip problem without the surgery experience. But this recent personal experience has given me another perspective from which to observe our healthcare system in action: that of a long-term patient. Meanwhile, I’ve been scrutinizing our healthcare system from two new vantage points as well: that of board member with the United Way of Dane County and as Chair of their Community Solution Team entitled “Self Reliance and Independence.” In these roles I have witnessed first hand the impact of health care or the lack thereof on our elderly and disabled neighbors.
All this experience leads me back again and again to one clear duty: sharing responsibility for healthcare. At TASC, this duty is our premise and our reason for being. After all, it’s right there in our brand promise: Innovative solutions that better your bottom line and assure peace of mind. We’re serious about healthcare and serious about our responsibility to fulfill this promise. Very serious.
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