Amid all the murky and dramatic national conversations about the disaster that is our current healthcare system, one sometimes stumbles upon a moment of potential clarity. This is one of those moments… At a social event the other night, I met a person who worked for a large regional health insurance company. The conversation, naturally, came around to the topic […]

This first-of-its-kind initiative in Michigan supports nurses’ call for hospital reforms to ease the burden of excessive medical bills. Nurses saves lives every day. And with a recent project spearheaded by Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) members at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, nurses saved patients across the state from financial ruin, clearing more than $1 million in medical debt for more […]

In the bigger picture of healthcare reform, a clinical approach that prioritizes wellness over treatment is exactly what we need. Over at my personal blog, I recently wrote about my experience with Functional Medicine and how it’s overhauled my health. Although it’s not brand-new, Functional Medicine is an approach to care that’s rapidly gaining acceptance — and for good reason. […]

It’s not just about health insurance. It’s about reimagining the way we deliver care. If I could only tell you one thing I saw at TEDMED 2014, it would be this: Health reform goes far deeper than the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That isn’t news to me, but it was gratifying to see some of the leading minds in health […]

At Netroots Nation 2014, I explained why I think Obamacare is a winning issue for Democrats — and what we can do to help. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. And I’m a firm believer that Obamacare is a winning issue for Democrats. To make the case for […]

Educating people about available tax subsidies and Medicaid enrollment are top healthcare reform priorities right now. By the end of December, more than 6 million Americans had enrolled in a health insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), either buying private insurance or signing up for Medicaid in a state that agreed to expand the program. We’re now midway […]

I should know. I’m one of the many Americans enrolling with increasing speed and success. When I opened my mail on Monday, what did I find? A shiny new insurance card from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan — for my coverage purchased at Healthcare.gov. It kicks in on January 1, 2014, exactly the way it’s supposed to. The video […]