By several measures, health care spending continues to rise at the fastest rate in our history.   The cost of health care will continue to rise for a number of reasons. We are living longer, and the retirement of the baby boom generation will increase demand on healthcare. Cutting-edge technology and new drugs will improve the quality and length of life—but at high cost.

     Health insurance costs are increasing, and Glendale Community College is not immune.  Our Blue Shield medical program will charge a substantial increase this year.  The cost for the HMO will be increased by 19.34%, and the cost of the PPO plan will increase by 24.57%.  As you all are aware, the cost of providing healthcare services generally rises every year for everyone,  including those in Blue Shield and all other health plans.  Medical professionals get a cost of living raise (either through collective bargaining or through their own decision as independent providers), pharmaceuticals charge more for new and better drugs, and building and construction costs go up for some hospitals.

What is our Utilization and Why does it Matter?

    This past year the utilization of Blue Shield services by Glendale Community College employees and families increased greatly. Although the insurance company cannot recoup monies spent on claims over the past year, the insurance carrier uses last year’s utilization to anticipate the cost of providing the same coverage for the coming year.  In other words, if Glendale folks stay healthy, the premium rates will increase slowly.  For many years, we were very healthy!  Our rates rose along with general medical industry inflation, but did not overwhelm us.  In 2006, we had a “bad year” in terms of illness and surgeries (i.e., utilization).  Thus the premium rate skyrocketed.

     According to the detail reports we received from Blue Shield, Glendale College was above the average in our usage compared to other similarly sized groups insured by Blue Shield.  For example, the average length of stay in the hospital for all groups was 4.7 days.  The average length of stay for Glendale College was 7.7 days.  The average-paid-per-admission was $11,921 for all groups; the college's average-paid-per-admission was $36,098.  The average prescription drug cost-per-member per year was $571, Glendale College’s cost was $864.

Reducing our Utilization is Delicate and Personal

     We can’t know exactly what causes the need for expensive medical treatments, and we must respect the privacy of everyone regarding health issues.  However, we know in general that if, for example, a diabetic has a serious emergency, that hospitalization will impact our rates.  If someone with the medical condition of morbid obesity gets the stomach reduction surgery, that becomes a costly medical event.  If someone with high blood pressure or high cholesterol ends up with emergency heart bypass surgery, we all pay, indirectly.

What CAN we control?  What CAN’T we control?

     While there are some medical costs we cannot control, there are others that are somewhat within our powers to influence.

     We can’t control our genetic inheritance; some of us are simply more prone to cancer or high cholesterol or diabetes than others.  We can’t control the entire environment; poor air quality can exacerbate or even cause asthma or allergies, and the massive use of chemicals and plastics can create cancers or other ailments.  Unless we plan to live in a cave, we probably can’t eliminate the toxins in our food, air, and water.

     But we CAN control our own personal habits:  we all know the list of good health habits and things to stop doing.

     Just in case anyone has been living in a cave, here’s the current generally accepted medical advice.  Some of these are from the American Institute for Cancer Research; see www.dietandcancerreport.org

*  Don’t SMOKE.  Period.

* Exercise moderately at least a few times per week.

* Eat sensibly; avoid excessive sugars, fats, and too many calories.  Be sure to eat fruit and vegetables.  Reduce consumption of processed meats.

* Use alcohol in moderation.

* Avoid illegal substances (It’s not just scare tactics—even marijuana is not good for your lungs!)

* Get regular check-ups; women, get those Pap smears and breast checks, too.

* Reduce stress (huh?  While working here?)  Yes, try the well-known methods of exercise, meditation, music, etc.

Don’t feel bad if you do all the right things for your health and still aren’t in perfect health! Remember all those genetic and environmental factors that are OUT of our control, and then do your best with the actions that are WITHIN your control. &

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