A New York Times article today states that, according to Dr. Kenneth E. Thorpe of Emory University, three-quarters of the money the nation spends on health care is for chronic conditions.

The article points out how companies are changing how they pay for health insurance. According to a January survey by Hewitt Associates, a benefits consulting firm, nearly two-thirds of large employers planned to transfer more costs to employees. Furthermore, one-third planned to put a greater emphasis on wellness plans, "programs that encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyles."

Although the article did not mention what effect this move could have on insurance payers and hospitals, one might assume that insurance holders might reduce their plans because they are assuming more of the costs individually. Could this really lead to a healthier society?

If, as Dr. Thorpe suggests, our nation can get onto a solid healthy life style, our society really could be healthier--at a lower cost than what we are paying now. Insurance companies can help establish these protocols for healthy lifestyles by working with an independent review organization like AllMed. Our breadth of knowledge lies within a wealth of doctors and physicians on our team; we can help recommend exactly the precise healthy protocol for each individual patient and payee.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/health/23patient.html?_r=1&ref=health