Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare is an extra challenge for businesses as they try to provide valuable healthcare benefits to their employees.
In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, affordability has become a top concern for employers as they strive to balance rising costs with the needs of their workforce. With nearly half of Arizonans relying on employer-sponsored health plans, the pressure on companies to find solutions is greater than ever. The path forward is about finding new and sustainable ways to make healthcare work for everyone. This means coming together as insurers, business leaders, providers, and community advocates to rethink how we approach whole-person health, preventive care and health management.
It’s not easy, but with innovative ideas and collaboration, we can focus on what truly matters: making healthcare accessible, personalized and more affordable.
This month’s cover story delves into the issue of healthcare benefits, looking at factors impacting cost as well as processes to manage the application and billing associated with healthcare programs. Also informative is the input from a few local businesses on their budgeting and management approach and employee engagement in the programs.
Spurred by the move of Disney’s famous “Steamboat Willie” into the public domain earlier this year, attorney Mario Vasta has provided an extensive review of some potential pitfalls for businesses considering using public domain works in their marketing campaigns or business model. In “Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain,” he explains not just the boundaries of usage rights but issues of association.
Another important topic covered this month is communication, as Cheryl Fields Tyler explores “The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a High-Performing Culture” and discusses what it takes for leaders to be successful at effective communication.
And Frank Gorman gives us insight on a business model that, while not truly new — we’ve seen it in our community — is trending up. Discussing employee-owned businesses under employee stock ownership programs is this month’s Economy feature, “ESOPs Are on the Rise. Are They Right for Your Business?”
In addition to content that ranges widely over business-relevant topics and information about what’s happening in our business community is the annual special section, “Healthcare Decision: An Open Enrollment Guide to Benefits.”
I am very pleased to have helped develop this month’s cover story and to have this opportunity to help bring you this October edition of In Business Magazine. Please enjoy the read.
Sincerely,
Pam Kehaly
President and CEO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Pam Kehaly is president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). With a mission to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans, she is leading the 3,200-employee company to inspire health through inventive programs, services and health insurance products.
