Alternative Model for Paying for Medical Care?

An interesting article on NPR about a health clinic in Maine that is trying out a different method of paying for health services:

Deb Barth is raking leaves for Lesley Jones. But Barth isn't earning money for her yardwork, at least not in physical currency. She's earning "time dollars" — for every two hours she spends doing odd jobs, she'll earn a free visit with her doctor.

The Bay Area is filled with a number of close-knit, dedicated communities.
Could this innovate method of paying for health services work here as well?

Opportunities in Healthcare

Bett Martinez • There are great opportunities in health care if we can put “care” back in. I keep talking this up to any Silicon Valley VC I meet...unfortunately, (to my mind) they seem to be seeing opportunities only in tech sectors, like IT, social media.

My sense is that healthcare is needing much more "face-to-face". In today's terms, it would be "coaching", navigating.

But I remember the time when basic needs were met by Grandmothers! They had all kinds of remedies, both tangible and emotional, at their beck and call, and not until those were exhausted would they send family members forth to doctors and /or emergency rooms. There was rarely an error in their form of triage.

An American doctor proposed some time ago that this art be developed as a training.
Can say more, but only if interest is sparked.

Bett Martinez, M.Ed.
Broker / Consultant
Bay Area

Meaningful Aging: Expand your Experience!

September 25 to October 1st, the International Active Aging Council will be promoting Active Aging Week. 
Throughout this week, a great number of parks, recreational centers, retirement communities and dance halls will be offered opportunities to engage in exercise and other healthy activities for an active life. 
Organizations which participate in Active Aging Week create events which are fun, educational and free. 
(More information can be found here)


One of the local organizations in the Bay Area which will be part of Active Aging week is the Possible Society, a non-profit focusing on wellness, wellbeing and preventive health, health
promotion, and lifestyle change based on Expressive Arts and the
teaching and practice of traditional mind-body exercise systems, such as
Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong.

You can learn more about the events The Possible Society will be organizing from the group's website, or through Facebook. 

Stanford Hospital Ends Terminates Anthem Blue Cross

Stanford Hospital recently terminated its contract with Anthem Blue Cross health insurance company.
This means that some patients who have Anthem insurance might have to find different physicians, receive authorization from Anthem to continue to use Stanford's medical facilities, or have their copay changes.

More information can be found here: Palo Alto Online article or here: ABC Local News

However, what does this mean for Medicare?

Anna Halprin Dance

Recently found an amazing video about Anna Halprin, a famous post-modern dance choreographer.
It features not only her dances, but also the philosophy behind the movement. 

Study shows that Tai Chi helps quality of life

Heart failure patients may experience improvements in their quality of life and mood by participating in a tai chi exercise program, a randomized study suggested.


To find out more, read this article! 

Developments in Florida Health care

So if freedom from government intervention means swallowing a 20% rate hike in business health insurance, is that acceptable?

Florida rejects money for rate-hike review