Exploring a Learning Experience through an Internship: Embold Health Inc.

Embold Health Inc. is a start-up company created by leading physicians who saw a rising need in health care for accurate and comprehensive data regarding the quality, cost effectiveness, and appropriateness of care. Using one of the largest most comprehensive data sets in the United States and analytics lead by top scientist and physicians in the field, they are able to formulate a measurement of physician performance aimed at improving health care and outcomes for patients. Providing this data to employers, insurers and providers allows for a push to improve quality of non-recommended providers, reward for providers offering quality care and evaluates cost for the benefit of employers and payers. In the following subsections, I will discuss various areas that I devoted my learning to throughout this internship. The first area of focus was to develop a greater understanding of the United States Health Care System, employee-sponsored health insurance, and the rising health care costs affecting millions of Americans. Next gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the Embold Health methodology and how it is being used to further health care reform and quality improvement. Finally, a summary of my learning experience throughout my internship at Embold Health Inc

On the Road to Better Value: State Roles in Promoting Accountable Care Organizations

Outlines how accountable care organizations can deliver value through incentives to manage utilization, improve quality, and curb cost growth. Profiles states supporting the model with data, new payment methods, accountability measures, and other efforts

The current landscape of the California housing market

California's housing market has been severely affected by the foreclosure crisis. The state's high foreclosure rate has also contributed to neighborhood destabilization in many communities, resulting in negative spillover effects such as price declines and increased crime and blight. In light of these rapid changes in the housing landscape, this report provides a current "snapshot" of California's housing market in the wake of the foreclosure crisis. It presents historical trends as well as current data on foreclosures, home prices, and affordability, and also considers the state's future housing needs. Given the state's sheer size and dramatic regional variation, the report also digs down into conditions at the regional and county level. The study hopes to inform stakeholders from across the state and help in the development of a strategic response to the drastic changes that have taken place in California's housing market over the past few years.Housing - California ; Foreclosure - California

Evaluation of Enroll America: An Implementation Assessment and Recommendations for Future Outreach Efforts

Families USA spearheaded formation of Enroll America in 2010 to identify newly eligible adults for enrollment in expanded health insurance coverage made possible by the Affordable Care Act. Mathematica is conducting a rigorous evaluation that includes qualitative and quantitative assessments. For its first outreach campaign, Enroll America built infrastructure in 11 states (Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas), training staff and engaging volunteers and local partners in outreach to consumers. Areas of recommendation for the second enrollment period include:Expand the number of consumer assistance counselors.Reconsider how resources are allocated in states that have geographically dispersed uninsured.Continue to place a high priority on seeking partnerships, especially with groups connected to key uninsured constituencies

The myth of the irresponsible investor: analysis of southern New England's small multifamily properties

Comparing the borrowing trends of owner-occupants versus investors in small multifamily properties reveals that investors may not engage in as much risky behavior as public sentiment leads one to expect. The authors investigate data from Southern New England and debunk several myths about the “irresponsible investor.”Rental housing - New England

External Forces That Impact Profitability in the Insurance Industry

The insurance industry is influenced by many factors that impact profitability. Insurers must do their best to make predictions based on expectations to remain solvent and profitable. Inevitably, they are faced with external factors that are outside of their control. Insurers must be aware of these external forces that may impact profits. External forces impact entire sub-industries of the insurance industry and some companies maintain profitability while others fail. This work intends to take a look at the major external forces that each insurance sub-industry faces and discuss some of the potential solutions that have been developed to minimize the negative impact of these forces, if applicable