most recent 30 from http://paleohacks.com 2013-05-25T10:50:55Z http://paleohacks.com/feeds/user/6712 http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://paleohacks.com/questions/1350/private-insurance-for-paleos/56822#56822 JoeS 2011-08-09T05:43:19Z 2011-08-09T05:43:19Z

<p>Let me start by saying that I greatly appreciate everyone's interest and suggestions on this topic. I wanted to respond to some of the questions that were brought up and ask for additional input from the PH community.</p> <ol> <li><p>On the issue of the capital needed to start an insurance company: We were fortunate enough to have an employee from a major insurance company at our talk and he noted that we would be able to contract with an insurance company to act as a reinsurer. This insurance company could provide discounted premiums but would assume the risk of paying for claims and also accrue the savings from a healthier members. Ideally, there would be a sufficient amount of capital in the paleo community to create a stand alone insurance company which would allow the savings from improved health outcomes due to a paleo lifestyle to be recouped by the paleo community. </p></li> <li><p>Regarding the issue of non-paleo providers managing the care of paleo patients: To a degree, this will require patients to manage their own care. As members of the paleo community, they likely have already taken charge of their care to some extend. Non-paleo primary care providers would then only be used in acute situations, which is really is the strength of western medicine. Alternately, there could be discounts on co-pays for going to paleo providers. This is like how HMOs charge less for seeing providers that are in their network.</p></li> <li><p>How to assess compliance with the paleo lifestyle: This issue was raised by the insurance company employee and, I believe, is the stickiest issue in creating a paleo insurance company. As suggested, one way would be through lab tests and waist circumference. Another idea would be to have each member text a cellphone picture of each meal to a central database. Other ideas and suggestions on this topic would be greatly appreciated.</p></li> <li><p>On structure: As mentioned, a catastrophic paleo insurance plan coupled with a health savings account would be ideal. This would allow the insurance plan members to keep some of the savings caused by their healthier lifestyle while still protecting in the case of a traumatic event. </p></li> </ol>