It’s time for one of those a difficult and embarrassing discussion about…Impotence…
But not the kind you’re probably thinking about or maybe most worried about. Experts across the country are puzzled by a particularly stubborn form of impotence that has emerged in markets across the country. By all accounts,this appears to be an especially difficult strain that is presenting itself in, of all places, the work place.
The condition appears to affect all but the most virile and progressive organizations and is reported to be 100% resistant to the popular prescriptions available in the market.
I am referring of course to health insurance, and the inability of employers to control costs.
The onset of the condition is gradual and appears benign at first. In fact, early symptoms are generally viewed quite favorable by most of the affected:
1. A choice of multiple high quality and cost competitive health plans;
2. New and improved benefits for members that includes lower co-pays, gym memberships, coverage for alternative medicine, etc.
3. Virtually unlimited choice of providers-every hospital, every doctor, every lab, and every pharmacy.
4. The removal of most restrictions and impediments for members to access care.
At the beginning of the cycle, in fact, circa 1995, employers often looked forward to the annual renewal process because of the opportunities they presented-lower costs, better benefits, happy people. 
As the market presents more and better options, employers become comfortable with these offerings and the solutions they represent. But times change, of course, and as market conditions over the past decade have eroded to the point that employers universally abhor the insurance renewal process and the relative opportunities available in the market are dismal.
Essentially, what is happening is that decision-makers have become conditioned to looking to the market for answers to their problems with health insurance–rising costs and plummeting employee satisfaction.
As a result, they feel powerless themselves to solve the problem-they are at the mercy of the market. It’s what I call ”market induced impotence”. In other words, there is no easy cure for the conditions, so we’re forced to try to minimize the symptoms.
Ah, but innovation is alive in the market. In our next session we’ll start to address the root causes and what we can do about it. But for now, just be on the look-out for the tell-tale symptoms:
- Frustration
- High blood pressure
- Aggressive behavior toward health insurance brokers or representatives
If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, rest easy. You are not alone…help is on the way!
