Post by Logan on May 14, 2016 5:51:45 GMT -6
Startup insurer affiliated with UnitedHealthcare plans Chicago-area expansion
UnitedHealthcare's experiment in Chicago mixes several elements, including cushioned chairs, a fireplace, yoga classes and free doctor visits. It's only been four months but so far the nation's largest health insurer seems pleased with the reaction.
Its Harken Health subsidiary opened four medical practices Jan. 1 and plans to open six more clinics by the end of the year, said Harken CEO Tom Vanderheyden.
With Harken, UnitedHealthcare is testing whether it can both sell insurance and provide medical care. The strategy is an integrated approach modeled after Kaiser Permanente in California, with the goal to make medicine more personal and comfortable while controlling costs.
Harken's goal is the intent of the entire health care industry but it remains elusive. The U.S. spends far more on health care than other high-income countries and yet Americans die sooner and experience unhealthier lives than residents in those other nations.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-harken-health-expansion-0513-biz-20160512-story.html
UnitedHealthcare's experiment in Chicago mixes several elements, including cushioned chairs, a fireplace, yoga classes and free doctor visits. It's only been four months but so far the nation's largest health insurer seems pleased with the reaction.
Its Harken Health subsidiary opened four medical practices Jan. 1 and plans to open six more clinics by the end of the year, said Harken CEO Tom Vanderheyden.
With Harken, UnitedHealthcare is testing whether it can both sell insurance and provide medical care. The strategy is an integrated approach modeled after Kaiser Permanente in California, with the goal to make medicine more personal and comfortable while controlling costs.
Harken's goal is the intent of the entire health care industry but it remains elusive. The U.S. spends far more on health care than other high-income countries and yet Americans die sooner and experience unhealthier lives than residents in those other nations.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-harken-health-expansion-0513-biz-20160512-story.html