Innovative Initiatives to Improve Healthcare Heading to Rochester

Linda Becker is the founder and CEO of Healthcare Benefits Network, a consulting services group with the primary goal of lowering health care costs for all New Yorkers.

Becker says the group is working with state officials to implement a variety of policy changes including better coordinated care between providers, the elimination of redundant costly procedures, and "surprise bills." Becker says medical bills shouldn't be a guessing game for patients."When you receive your invoice you're never sure what you're going to get so if you're going to get a knee replacement, what is the cost including your MRI and post acute treatment?" 

According to Becker, unexpected medical expenses put both providers and patients in financial binds.

Another main mission of the group is to encourage the state to mandate that all employers insure their workers. Something she believes won't be difficult. "When so many companies haven't been hiring, it becomes critical that their employees are there being productive and that they are not out ill or sick," says Becker.

According to her, Rochester is a national leader for low healthcare costs. She adds the city ranks second, behind North Carolina, in providing high quality affordable care.

The Healthcare Benefits Network hosted a healthcare symposium called "Cracking the Code" that included New York State Department of Health Director, Judith Arnold, and several health care executives from the region's top medical organizations. 

More than 250 people attended the event. Another symposium will follow in May that will consider patient roles within healthcare.