West Health

Recent findings from our latest West Health-Gallup survey reveal a concerning trend: Americans' self-reported mental and physical health has hit a 24-year low, with the pandemic exacerbating a decline that began over a decade ago. ???Key Takeaways: ?? Only 31% of Americans rate their mental health as "excellent," down from 48% in the early 2010s. Physical health ratings are even lower, with just 24% describing it as "excellent." ?? Young adults, especially women aged 18-29, are disproportionately affected, with only 15% reporting excellent mental health—a 50% drop from pre-pandemic levels. ?? Men aged 18-29 also saw significant declines, with physical health ratings falling 8 points since 2019. ? The pandemic has left a lasting impact, with mental health struggles cutting across all demographics, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. While the reasons behind this decline are complex, these data underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to address this growing crisis. ? At West Health, we’re committed to improving healthcare access and affordability for all Americans, especially as these challenges persist.? ? ??Learn more by reading the full article: https://bit.ly/4ilLRsW ? #Healthcare #MentalHealth #GallupSurvey

?? Cleveland Clinic is leading the way in tackling hospital bed shortages—by transforming geriatric emergency care. In collaboration with West Health, Cleveland Clinic ED leaders evaluated the impact of Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) and found impressive results: ? 42% reduction in hospital admissions for older adults ? $2.8 million in cost savings This GED care model prioritizes at-risk older adults while improving efficiency during a time of increasing demand for inpatient beds. It’s a powerful example of how healthcare systems can proactively address the needs of a growing aging population. Through our collaboration, we’re helping healthcare leaders nationwide recognize the value of integrating GED models of care—and inspiring action. ?? Read more about our findings: https://lnkd.in/dxMq5zTe #GeriatricCare #EmergencyMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #AgingWell #ValueBasedCare Stephen Meldon

Coverage from?CBS News?on the?West Health-Gallup?Poll sounds another alarm on the new finding that Americans borrowed $74 billion last year to cover their healthcare costs. West Health President Tim Lash, MBA shared on the issue, "Families are forced to take out loans and borrow to cover expensive care that is needed. These big numbers are concerning, but the humanity is lost in the billions and trillions as we reduce this down to what the lived experience is of the American individual and families." ? Check out the CBS MoneyWatch article and news clip:?https://bit.ly/4bvtJKs #gallupsurvey #loweringhealthcarecosts?#affordablehealthcare? #olderadults?#olderamericans

Our latest West Health-Gallup survey, featured in USA TODAY reveals a troubling reality: 12% of Americans borrowed money to pay for healthcare over the last year, totaling $74 billion. More than half of survey respondents (58%) fear accruing medical debt if faced with a major health issue. ? This isn’t just a healthcare issue—it’s a financial crisis impacting millions of families. With potential cuts to Medicaid and other critical programs on the table, the urgency to address the medical debt crisis has never been greater. ? ??Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ebAGhyeu ??Check out the full survey: https://lnkd.in/eWPUsTGp ? #gallupsurvey #loweringhealthcarecosts #medicaldebt #healthcareaccess

???Just released: our new West Health-Gallup survey reveals a staggering reality: more than 31 million Americans reported taking on debt last year to afford healthcare, totaling $74 billion. Key results from the survey show: ??Nearly one-third of respondents were “very concerned” that a major health event could throw them into debt ???Black and Hispanic adults were significantly more likely to report having borrowed money compared to White adults ???Of those who recently borrowed money to pay for healthcare, more than half (58%) borrowed $500 or more ? This medical debt crisis marks a systemic issue plaguing Americans across ages, backgrounds, and demographics. Learn more by reading the full results:?https://lnkd.in/eWPUsTGp ? #gallupsurvey #loweringhealthcarecosts #medicaldebt

West Health CEO and Chair Shelley Lyford with NCAA President Charlie Baker at the Lake Nona Impact Forum in Orlando. Shelley interviewed the former governor of Massachusetts about leadership and how to drive meaningful change in sports and health. #LNIF25

West Health proudly partnered with Accountable for Health on a roundtable, diving into the challenges preventing the widespread adoption of accountable care models—from policy and payment barriers to operational and cultural hurdles.? ? This new report “Barriers to Accountable Care Adoption” outlines key learnings and next steps for building an accountable healthcare system that improves outcomes while lowering costs.? ? ??Learn more by checking out the full report here:?https://lnkd.in/ePWDVu62 ? #ValueBasedCare #AccountableCare #LoweringHealthcareCosts

This Wednesday, 2/26, Representatives Guthrie and Carter will lead a House Energy & Commerce on Health subcommittee hearing: An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients. This hearing marks a pivotal step in the ongoing debate over pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation, with representatives?from both parties supporting its inclusion in the March funding package.? ? ?Can Congress fix the market without breaking it? Learn more in our paper that explores PBM dynamics in different insurance markets and recommends specific, actionable policies to strengthen proposed legislation:?https://lnkd.in/eGGhiGKr ? #PBMReform #PBMs #healthcarepolicy

Last call! Standard rate registration for American Society on Aging’s #OnAging2025 ends this Friday, February 28th. Register now before prices increase.? ? We’re looking forward to connecting with other aging policy leaders and advocates on strategies to create a more inclusive future for #olderadults. ? ?? Secure your spot before it’s too late:?https://lnkd.in/egvfprnj. ? #healthyaging #olderamericans #agingwell

?We just released a new blog in partnership with American Society on Aging authored by our own Elvira Makk Frid, Amy Sander Herr, PMP, Caroline Picher. ? Healthcare affordability is a growing challenge in the U.S., especially for #OlderAdults and those with limited incomes. While Medicare covers 68 million Americans, out-of-pocket costs can still be a heavy financial burden. ? That’s where?Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?come in. Enacted in 1988, MSPs help low-income individuals afford Medicare by lowering premium and cost-sharing costs. Yet, millions who qualify aren’t enrolled.? ? States play a critical role in expanding MSP enrollment. Strategies include: ??Expanding financial eligibility criteria by raising income eligibility limits? ??Aligning eligibility with other programs that serve low-income adults, like the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy? ? Identifying opportunities to offset the costs of increased enrollment ? Ensuring Medicaid policies complement MSPs? ? These policy solutions are critical to meet the needs of low-income older adults. Learn more by checking out the full blog here:?https://lnkd.in/ePRgGnmi #olderamericans #healthyaging #agingwell #affordablecare