Putting the whole wacky year to bed

One of the last things we do with every issue is hammer out a cartoon idea. Sometimes this is fun and easy; other times, it’s a slog that we have to sleep on.

This was one of those months where it was the latter.

Since we’re working on the January issue and getting ready to put this whole wacky year (in HME, in politics, in life) to bed, I half-seriously suggested a big peace sign, no other messaging.

You see, I’m feeling in need of a fresh start and a fresh outlook as we stumble ahead into 2025 and I’m confident I’m not the only one.

Fortunately, Liz intervened with a timely and industry-appropriate option featuring the president-elect and the looming possibility of ever more Medicare Advantage as we all wait to see what the new administration brings forth.

Frankly, I’m pretty skeptical much will get accomplished, but if there’s one thing I do hope gets done to the industry’s advantage it’s the cutting through of onerous red tape and regs and rules that add so much cost to our health care system with no discernible benefit to anyone.

Maybe, just maybe, someone will do something about the prior auths and the audits and all that other stuff that keeps providers awake at night – and away from patient care.

Speaking of onerousness, how about that insurance industry? I was as shocked and horrified as anyone by the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. I also instantly thought, “must be someone whose claims got denied.”

But in reading the copious news coverage, I was shocked at how shocked the insurance industry was to learn how reviled it is (did they really not know this already?). They make billions and turn around and deny, deny, deny. Or make you jump through hoops. Or wait until you wave the white flag of surrender and pay out-of-pocket.

In the latest development, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty just penned a New York Times opinion piece, calling the health system “flawed” and “in need of reform.”

Ya think?

Call me skeptical. Nothing will change, I don’t think, but in the spirit of the new year, I say, “Peace, ya’ll.”