Connecting the dots between gas and health costs

By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn in the Health Care Blog The Rite Aid and Aetna stories represent two major health stakeholders confronting consumer realities, and doing something creative to meet the consumer where she lives: in the real world, paying megabucks at the pump and @retail in general. In the case of the U-Penn pilot, it will be instructive to learn the outcome next spring. Some health plans are already dropping Rx co-pays for selected chronic care medications to increase patient adherence. Those doing so have found that they can achieve real ROI as fewer enrollees show up at emergency rooms for care, and as employers see their employees appear (and be more 'present') at work. The roots of this are in the famed Asheville project. Furthermore, the theme of games is growing in importance in health. Take a look at the Robert Wood Johnson's Games for Health program. People like games, and here's another way those organizations who serve patients can become part of their lives in more engaging and constructive ways. Dare I say -- even fun?!