Bringing Modernized Kidney Care To The Home: How Monogram Health Is Transforming Polychronic Care

Bringing Modernized Kidney Care To The Home: How Monogram Health Is Transforming Polychronic Care

The cost of employer-sponsored healthcare appears to have stabilized, but what does this mean for employees and the government's role in providing healthcare? Healthcare costs have been on the rise, becoming a significant portion of the nation's GDP. One area where these costs are evident is in employer contributions to employer-sponsored health insurance (ESHI). In the past, economists believed that the costs of these benefits were passed onto employees, resulting in slower wage growth and the erosion of the Social Security wage base. However, recent trends suggest a different story.

Monogram Health is a company that is revolutionizing kidney care by bringing it to the comfort of patients' homes. But who can enroll in Monogram? Patients can access Monogram through their health plan, as the company has partnered with leading insurance providers such as Humana, Cigna, Point32Health, and Centene. Their goal is to improve access to evidence-based care while also making it more affordable. Monogram operates with the belief that all patients, regardless of their zip code, should have access to quality care. Through the use of proprietary AI-driven algorithms, they identify patients who would benefit most from personalized support.

One interesting point to note is that the decrease in employer-sponsored healthcare was driven by a decrease in the share of lower earners provided ESHI. This raises the question of whether the government picks up the slack when employers reduce benefits. The literature identifies three major factors that drive the cost of ESHI as a share of compensation. Firstly, national health expenditures play a significant role. These expenditures have been increasing over the years, reaching around 17% of GDP in 2009. Secondly, the makeup of participants also affects the cost. Lower earners tend to have a higher percentage of their compensation allocated to health insurance, so a decline in their participation decreases the overall ratio of ESHI costs to compensation. Lastly, family plans are more expensive than individual plans, and their costs have been growing at a faster pace. If the share of family plans declines, costs relative to compensation will decrease.

Using data from the Department of Health and Human Services' Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), it was found that the growth in national health expenditures was the major driver of the ESHI-to-compensation ratio before and after 2005. However, the decline in participation among lower earners and the decrease in demand for family plans offset this impact after 2005. Looking ahead, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services project that national health expenditures as a percentage of GDP will continue to increase. If there are no other changes, ESHI as a share of compensation will also increase. However, if there is a decline in ESHI participation and demand for family plans, these two factors should counterbalance the growth in healthcare expenditures, resulting in a stable ratio of ESHI to compensation.

In conclusion, Monogram Health is playing a crucial role in transforming polychronic care by bringing modernized kidney care to the home. Their partnership with leading insurance providers ensures that patients have access to personalized support, regardless of their zip code. On the other hand, the stabilization of employer-sponsored healthcare costs raises questions about the government's role in providing healthcare and the impact on employees. As we move forward, it is essential to consider how healthcare expenditures, participation rates, and demand for family plans will shape the future of healthcare affordability.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Explore alternative healthcare models: Monogram Health's home-based care model highlights the potential benefits of bringing care to the home. Consider exploring alternative healthcare models that prioritize convenience and personalized support.

• 2. Advocate for affordable healthcare: The stabilization of employer-sponsored healthcare costs is a positive development, but there is still work to be done. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote affordable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their income level.

• 3. Prioritize preventive care: One way to control healthcare costs is by prioritizing preventive care. Encourage regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent the onset of chronic conditions and reduce the need for costly treatments in the future.