Surviving the injury or disease, but not the debt

Playing into the hands of the health care debate this year has been the idea that many bankruptcy and foreclosure problems have not hit families because of the housing bubble, the recession or the volatile job market; the financial woes, for many folks, have been brought on by the cost of health care. For reference, see this story from the New York Times.

Implications: News stories like this, or the idea that many elected officials are granted health coverage that is beyond the reach of their constituents, help to elevate the perceived need for health care reform of some kind. I’m among those who are not sure what the right answer is. Only that the current system probably needs attention.

Politics aside, in what ways might the cost of health care impact the way you do business? Do you offer a product or service that might deliver healthy or preventive benefits? From safety devices to fitness centers—and of course, health providers and drug companies—the elevated profile of health care might influence many consumer decisions over the next few years.

In an era where much about the future of health care is unknown, consumers might be more likely to control what they can, in terms of diet, exercise, and self-health.

Mike Anderson