Summary
Big Companies Competing for Their Piece of the Primary Care Market
In the world of healthcare, big companies are always on the lookout for opportunities to expand their reach and capture new markets. One area that has recently attracted a lot of attention is primary care, specifically the Medicare Advantage program. In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, joins the podcast to share updates on some of these developments.
Meet Risant Health – Kaiser Permanente’s Nonprofit
Kaiser Permanente has launched a new nonprofit called Risant Health, which is designed to provide primary care services to its members. The organization will operate as a value-based care provider and will offer services that are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. The ultimate goal of Risant Health is to improve health outcomes for Kaiser Permanente’s members by providing affordable and accessible primary care services.
CVS Health Acquires Oak Street Health
Another major development in the primary care market is the recent acquisition of Oak Street Health by CVS Health. Oak Street Health is a primary care provider that specializes in serving Medicare beneficiaries. The acquisition will allow CVS Health to expand its primary care offerings and capture a larger share of the Medicare Advantage market. In the future, the company plans to offer a range of care services that will be available both in-person and through telehealth.
The Primary Care Market Heats Up
The Medicare Advantage program has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a surge in demand for primary care services. As a result, many independent providers have been bought up by large healthcare companies like United Health Group, Optum, CVS Health, Amazon, and Walgreens. This has sparked concerns about potential antitrust violations and increased healthcare costs, prompting US Senator Elizabeth Warren to call for action from the Federal Trade Commission.
Conclusion
The primary care market is heating up, as large healthcare companies jockey for position to capture a piece of the Medicare Advantage pie. While this presents new opportunities for patients to access quality care, it also raises concerns about the potential for increased costs and monopolies. As the market continues to evolve, it will be important to keep a close eye on these developments and their potential impact on patients and providers alike.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 05/10/2023 and can be listened here.
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