JENNIE
Metenosky
Elevating Patient Experiences with Empathy and Innovation
JennieMetenosky
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The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life; the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.
E t s ‘ N o t e
Pearl Shaw
Pearl Shaw
Turning the Tide in Care
Accesstohealthcareshouldneverbealuxury;itisa
fundamentalright.Yetformany,financialbarriers andlackofsupportcanmakethatrightfeeloutof reach.Thehealthcaresystemmustevolve,andtheleaders drivingthischangearedoingexactlythat.
PatientAssistanceProgramsserveasrevolutionary solutionsinthiseffort.Theseprogramsstepintobridgethe gapbetweenpatientsandtheirnecessarymedicationsand supportbyprovidingthempropertreatmentswithoutregard totheirfinancialcapabilities.Beyondprovidinghelp,these programsgeneratehopewhilereinstatingdignityto numerouspatients.
Themainforcethatmovestheseprogramsforwardcomes fromtheleaderswhoguidethem.Throughtheirinitiatives, theseindividualsmaketransformativeimpactsthatmodify thelivesofnumerouspeople.Theseleaderschallenge systemtraditionswhilecreatingnewopportunitiestoreach areaspreviouslyimpossibletoaccess.Theireffortsto
reducecareaccessbarriersenableeverypatienttoobtain improvedhealthoutcomes.
Inthiseditionof Insights Care,wehighlightthe‘Top LeadersDrivingImpactThroughPatientAssistance Programsin2025.’Throughtheireffortsthesehealthcare leadersaredrivingorganizationalchangesanddeveloping systemsthatwillcreateuniversalhealthcareequity worldwide.
Asyoureadtheirstories,wehopeyoufeelinspiredbytheir visionandcommitmenttochange.Theseleadersare showingusthatwithdeterminationandinnovation,wecan makehealthcareaccessibleforall.
Hope you have an inspiring read ahead!
Contents
Table of Cover Story
08
Jennie Metenosky
Eleva ng Pa ent Experiences with Empathy and Innova on
TOP LEADERS DRIVING IMPACT THROUGH PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN 2025
Brief Featuring Person
Harold Wimmer President & CEO
Jennie Metenosky
Senior Vice President, Customer Experience
Jim Lang CEO
Tiara Green President
Trisha Duval
Execu ve Director
Organiza on
American Lung Associa on lung.org
Medvantx medvantx.com
EVERSANA eversana.com
Accessia accessiahealth.org
Angelica Pa ent Assistance Program angelicaprogram.org
Harold is a passionate advocate improving respiratory health, leading efforts in educa on, research, and support for lung disease pa ents.
Jennie embodies transforma ve healthcare leadership, driving impac ul Pa ent Assistance Programs with empathy and innova on, enhancing pa ent access and inspiring hope through compassionate, effec ve solu ons.
Jim is a visionary strategist enhancing pharmaceu cal services, op mizing pa ent outcomes through innova ve solu ons and opera onal excellence.
Tiara is a dedicated leader in advancing healthcare access, driving impac ul pa ent support ini a ves with a focus on equity and community well-being.
Trisha is a commi ed director empowering pa ents, delivering essen al assistance and resources to improve quality of life through compassionate care.
JennieMetenosky SeniorVicePresident, CustomerExperience
J JENNIE Metenosky
Elevating Patient Experiences with Empathy and Innovation
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At Medvantx, our focus is twofold. We aim to enhance patient interactions while empowering our clients to maximize the e ectiveness of their programs.
Leadershipisfrequentlycharacterizedasthecapacity
tomotivateanddirectindividualstowardashared objective,butinthefieldofhealthcare,itacquires anevengreaterimportance.Inthiscontext,leadersdon’t merelyoverseeoperations;theyinfluencesystemsthat impactlives,provideaccess,andinspirehope.Patient AssistancePrograms(PAPs)illustratethisobligation.They serveasanessentiallinkforpeopledealingwithintricate healthcareissues.Leadingtheseinitiatives,Jennie Metenosky,SeniorVicePresidentCustomerExperience at ,exemplifiestheessenceoftransformative Medvantx leadership.Herworkillustrateshowempathyand innovationcandriveimpactfulsolutionsforpatients, medicalprovidersandpharmaceuticalmanufacturers.
Medvantxhasbecomesynonymouswithrevolutionizing patientassistancebyleveragingtechnologyand personalizedcare.Atitscore,theorganization’smissionis straightforward:Connectingpatients,providers,and healthcareorganizationstoimprovelivesthroughservice andtechnology
“AtMedvantx,ourfocusistwofold,”Jennieexplains.“We aimtoenhancepatientinteractionswhileempoweringour clientstomaximizetheeffectivenessoftheirprograms.” Thisdualpurposeplacesthecompanyattheintersectionof innovationandcompassion,withJennieleadingthecharge.
Hercareerjourneyreflectsalifelongdedicationtoserving others.“IbeganasalicensedsocialworkerwhenPAPs werejustbeginningtogaintractionintheindustry,”she recalls.Whatstartedasanefforttoimprovecumbersome administrativeprocessessoonevolvedintoamissionto makeanationalimpact.Throughouttheyears,her responsibilitiesgrewfromdirectservicetoexecutive leadership,adevelopmentshecreditstodedication, concentration,andasolidcommitmenttopatient-focused principles.
Let’s explore the impactful leadership of Jennie at Medvantx, driving positive change in patient assistance programs!
JennieMetenosky’sCareerJourney
JennieMetenosky’spathtohercurrentroleasSeniorVice PresidentCustomerExperiencebeganwithafoundationin socialwork.“I’mactuallyalicensedsocialworker,”she explains.Herearlycareerwasspentaddressingindividual patientneeds,butshesoonsawanopportunitytoextend herimpact.“Theideaofapplyingtheadministrativeaspects ofsocialworktoanationallevelreallyappealedtome,” sheshares.WorkinginitiallytosupportPAPsatastart-up
vendorinthisspace,shefocusedondesigningand improvingcumbersomeprocessesthatoften-hindered patients’accesstosupport.
Herexperienceexpandedasshetookonleadershiprolesat pharmaceuticalcompaniesandserviceproviders.Over time,Jennie’sdedication,strategicacumen,andabilityto alignwithpatient-centricvaluespropelledhertoexecutive roles.Reflectingonherjourney,shesays,“Ineversetoutto beanexecutive,buthardwork,focus,andvaluealignment madeitanaturalprogression.Itwasalsoimportanttobe opentolearnings,notonlyfromleaders,butfrommydirect reports,peers,teammembersandindustrycolleagues.So manypeoplehavecontributedtomyprofessional development.”Today,herleadershipatthecompany representstheculminationofhereffortstoenhancepatient careonabroaderscale.
weneverlosesightofthehumanaspect,”shestates.With thisbalance,thecompanycontinuallyadaptstothe evolvingneedsofhealthcaresystemsandtheindividuals theyserve.
RedefiningthePatientExperience
PatientexperienceisthecentralfocusofJennie’swork. “It’sbroaderthanjustthepatient,”shenotes.“Itincludes
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Heruniquejourney,spanningrolesfromoperationaldesign toexecutiveleadership,showcasestheimportanceof adaptabilityandresilience.Jennie’scapacitytoalign operationalgoalswithhumanneedshasbeenahallmarkof hersuccess.Sherecountsmomentsofdesigningearly systemsforPAPsthatwereinitiallyclunkybutbecame modelsofefficiencyovertime,emphasizingherabilityto balanceadministrativeinsightwithcompassionwaspivotal.
MedvantxandItsMission
Thecompanystandsoutasaleaderinthefieldofpatient assistanceprograms,committedtobreakingdownbarriers thatpreventpatientsfromaccessingthemedicationsthey need.Theorganizationcollaborateswithpharmaceutical companies,healthcareproviders,non-profitsandother stakeholderstooptimizethedeliveryoftheseprograms. JenniedescribesMedvantx’sdualfocus:“Ononehand,we ensurethatpatientshaveaseamlessexperience,andonthe other,wepartnerwithclientstomaximizetheeffectiveness oftheirprograms.”
AtMedvantx,sheoverseesthecustomerexperience managementteam.Thisteamisdividedintotwocritical functions:directsupportforprogramusersthrougha contactcenterandrelationshipmanagementwithclients. “Webrainstormimprovements,providereporting,and maintaintouchpointstoensureprogramusersandclients’ needsaremet,”sheexplains.Thisstructureallowsthe companytoaddressbothpatientandpartnerrequirements withprecision.
Medvantx’svisionextendsbeyondimmediatesupport.The companyaimstoleadtransformativechangesinpatient assistancebyembeddinginnovativetechnologieswhile ensuringapersonaltouch.“Technologyhasitsplace,but
I never set out to be an executive, but hard work, focus, and value alignment made it a natural progression.
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caregivers,lovedones,andhealthcareproviderstaff.”This comprehensiveviewensuresthateveryinteractionis efficient,empathetic,andcompliantwithregulations. Medvantxhasimplementedvariousstrategiestoachieve thisbalance.Forinstance,theorganization’scontactcenter providesoptionsforpatientstointeractvialiveoperatorsor automation,cateringtodiversepreferences.“Somepeople loveautomationforefficiency,whileothersstillvaluethe opportunitytospeaktoarealperson,”sheexplains.
Technologyalsoplaysasignificantroleinenhancingthe patientexperience.Medvantx’sInsightsplatformuses analyticstoprovidevaluabledataonprogramutilization andpatientneeds.“Usingdatatodrivedecisionswithour partnersallowsforamoreconcisefocusduring whiteboardingsessions,bothinternallyandwithour manufacturerpartners,”Jennieadds.Thisdatadriven approachtoprogramdesignexemplifiesthecompany’s approachtoclientsupport.
Beyondtechnology,sheemphasizestheimportanceof empathyininteractions.Patients,caregivers,andproviders faceimmensechallengesnavigatinghealthcaresystems. “Wewanteveryinteractiontoaffirmtheirdignityand simplifytheirjourney,”shesays.Thecompany’srobust trainingprogramsforitsteammembersensurethisethos remainscentraltoeveryinteraction.
Herfocusonholisticexperiencesisillustratedthrougha recentprojectaimedatseniorsmanagingchronic conditions.Theprogramintegratedtelephonicsupportwith follow-updigitaltouchpoints.Oneseniorpatientnavigating complexdiabetesmanagement,describedhowMedvantx’s seamlesscoordinationbetweenliveoperatorsanddigital toolsmadeherjourneylessoverwhelming.Jenniereflects, “Storieslikehersreaffirmwhywedowhatwedo—to ensurenoonefeelslostorunsupported.”
EmpathyasaLeadershipPillar
Jennie’sleadershipphilosophyisdeeplyrootedinempathy Shedescribesherapproachasleadingwithastrength's perspective,ensuringthatcriticalfeedbackisconstructive ratherthandiscouraging.“Honestandopenfeedbackis essential,”shesays.Toreinforcethisculture,Medvantxhas formalizedempathytrainingforitscontactcenterand pharmacyteams.AdvancedAItoolsmonitorinteractions, providingactionableinsightsthathaveledtoimproved ratingsandclientrecognition.
Internally,theorganizationfostersasupportive environmentbycelebratingsuccessandsharingimpactful stories.“Weplayanonymizedtestimonialsfromprogram usersduringtownhalls,”sheshares.“It’sareminderofthe realpeoplewe’rehelping.”Thesepracticesnotonlyinspire employeesbutalsoreinforcethecompany’smissionto delivercompassionatecare.
Jennie’sleadershipextendstomentoringthenext generation.Underherguidance,Medvantxhaslaunched leadershipdevelopmentinitiativesthatidentifypromising talentsandequipthemwiththeskillstonavigatefuture challenges.“Thefutureofpatientassistancedependson strong,empatheticleaders,”shestates,underscoringthe importanceoffosteringtalentwithintheorganization.
Inonementoringsession,sherecallsencouragingayoung leadertopursuecross-departmentalexperiencetobroaden theirperspective.“Leadershipisn’tjustaboutmanaging; it’saboutunderstanding,”sheshared.Thisindividualhas sincerisentoleadcriticalprojects,embodyingher commitmenttogrowingtalentfromwithin.
TheRoleofTechnologyinPatientAssistance
Technologyhasbeenatransformativeforceinthe healthcareindustry,andMedvantxisattheforefrontof leveragingittoenhancepatientassistance.Inoneexample oftransformativetechnologyapplicationisMedvantx’s collaborativeworkwithpharmaceuticalmanufacturersto trackandaddresshealthdisparities.Theorganization’suse
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TrendsShapingtheFutureofHealthcare
The idea of applying the administrative aspects of social work to a national level really appealed to me.
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ofanalyticsandAIaddressescriticalissuessuchas HealthEquity.“Weusedatatoidentifyunderservedareas anddirectresourceseffectively,”Jennieexplains.This strategicapplicationoftechnologyensuresthatprograms reachthosewhoneedthemmost.Bycombiningclient insightswiththeAnalyticstools,theorganizationidentifies gapsinprogramreach.
Forexample,Medvantx’sAI-driveninsightshelpeda pharmaceuticalpartnerrefinetheirPAPtobetterserve underrepresentedruralareas.Theuseofheatmaps generatedfromprogramdatarevealedareaswhereaccessto medicationwasdisproportionatelylow,allowingtargeted interventions.TheseinitiativesreflectJennie’sleadership vision:toseebeyondoperationalefficiencyanddeliver meaningfulimpactonasystemiclevel.“Datatolduswhere thegapswere,”sheexplains,“andthatclarityallowedfor preciseactionthatmadearealdifference.”
Artificialintelligencealsoimprovesoperationalefficiency andaccessibility.Forexample,Medvantx’sSmartIVR supportsmultiplelanguages,enablingpatientsfromdiverse backgroundstoaccessassistance.“Spanishisthesecond mostspokenlanguageintheU.S.,butwe’relookingto includeevenmorelanguages,”shenotes.Theseinnovations alignwiththecompany’scommitmenttoinclusivityand equitablecare.
Telehealthandvirtualconsultationsarebecoming increasinglypopular,particularlyforseniorsmanaging complextherapies.Medvantxisadaptingtothistrendby offeringremotecounselingandsupport.“Ourpharmacists provideguidanceoneverythingfromsideeffectstomedical deviceusage,”Jenniesays.
Theincreasedadoptionofdigitaltoolssuchase-prescribing andportalshasalsostreamlinedaccessforproviders. “Theseadvancementsincreaseaccuracy,improve efficiency,andenhancethepatientexperience,ultimately providingfasteraccesstotheirmedication,”Jenniestates. Anotheremergingtrendisthefastpacechangesin communicationtechnologies.“Weneedtoremainmindful notonlyofwhatavenueswillbeembracedbuthowto balanceefficiencywithappropriateopt-insandcompliance reporting.”Witheverytechnologicaladvancement, Medvantxensuresitremainstruetoitsmissionof balancingspeedwithempathy Thiscombinationof technologicalinnovationandhuman-centeredcaredefines thecompany’sapproachtopatientassistance.
AVisionfortheFuture
Lookingahead,JennieoutlinesMedvantx’sstrategicgoals. “Weaimtofurtherleveragetechnologytoenhance accessibilitywhilemaintainingahumantouch,”she explains.Thecompanyisalsoexploringgeographical expansion,withpotentialopportunitiesinNorthAmericaon thehorizon.Theseinitiativesreflectthecommitmentto continuousimprovementandinnovation.
Foraspiringleaders,sheofferspracticaladvice:“Beopen todiverseideasandseekbestpracticesacrossdifferent domains.”Shealsoemphasizestheimportanceofself-care, saying,“Inhealthcare,burnoutisarealrisk.Takingtimeto rejuvenateultimatelyhelpsyouserveothersbetter.”Her wordsresonatedeeply,capturingtheessenceofher leadershipjourney
Jennie’sstoryisapowerfulexampleofhowempathy, innovation,anddedicationcandrivemeaningfulchangein healthcare.ThroughherworkatMedvantx,shecontinuesto inspire,ensuringthatpatientassistanceprogramsremaina vitallifelineforthoseinneed.
GLOBAL SUBSCRIPTION
Exploring the Benefits of Patient Assistance Programs for Illness Management
Chronicdiseasessuchasdiabetes,cardiovascular
disease,cancer,andautoimmunedisordersrequire continuousmedicalcare,medication,andlifestyle changes.Thediseasesarefinanciallyexpensiveand emotionallyburdensometopatientsandfamiliesto maintain.PatientAssistancePrograms(PAPs)have benevolentlybeeninitiatedasawell-comeinitiativeto boostfunding,drugavailability,andotherpatientcarefor non-payandtoleratingchronicdiseasemanagement.
LearningAboutPAPs
PatientAssistanceProgramsarefundedbythe pharmaceuticalindustry,charitableorganizations,and governmentsthatprovidediscountedorfreemedicationand servicestopoorpatientswhocannotaffordtopayfortheir prescribedmedication.Theseprogramsbridgethegap betweenunaffordablehealthcareandlimitedpatient budgetsandthusallowthemcontinuousaccesstodrugsand betteroverallhealthbenefits.
TheBenefitsofPAPs
1. EconomicRelieftoPatients
EconomicreliefisthebiggestpluspointofPatient AssistancePrograms.Mostofthechronicconditions callforexpensivemedications,regularvisitation chargeswithdoctors,andspecialtymedicalvisits. PAPsprovideeconomicreliefintermsofpartialorfull paymentfordrug,test,andphysicianfeessothe patientsmaynotworryaboutpurse.
2. AccesstoNeededMedicines
Evenonedoseofadministrationmissedwhenthedrug isadministeredtothepatientsufferingfromchronic diseasecanprovelifethreateningtohisorherhealth. PatientAssistanceProgramspermitsupplyofthe medicineuninterruptedlytothepatientandtherefore avertthecomplication,hospitalization,andprogression ofthedisease.Medicinehastobesupplied uninterruptedlyindiseaseslikediabetesinwhich insulinandothermedicationmustbeadministered uninterruptedly
3. AssistancetoUninsuredandUnderinsuredPatients
Notallpatientsarewell-insured.Someare underinsured,i.e.,theirinsurancewillnotcoverthe
entiredrugorprocedurestheyneed.Othersare uninsuredbecausetheycannotaffordtopayforitor havelosttheirjob.PatientAssistanceProgramsactasa safetynetforthesepatientssothattheycanreceivethe medicalcaretheyneedwithouthavingtopay exorbitantout-of-pocketexpenses.
4. ImprovedMedicationAdherence
Thebiggestsoleobstacletooptimalcontrolofchronic diseaseismostlikelynoncompliancewithmedication, usuallysecondarytomedicationcost.Ifthepatient cannotaffordtobuymedication,theywillmissdoses, takelessofthemedication,orstopmedication.Patient AssistanceProgramscanturnthisonitsheadby decreasingdrugcostandgainingbettercompliance, betteroutcome,andoverallbetterqualityoflife.
5. EducationalandCounselingServices
Mostbutnotallofthosewhichgivedirectcash assistanceonly,PAPsareextendedtoeducation programsandcounseling.Theprogramsprovide patientswithinformationontheirdisease,treatment, andlifestylechange.Individualcounselingon followingthetreatment,decision-making,and psychologicandemotionaladjustmentofchronic illnessisprovidedbysomePAPs.
6. CaregiverSupport
Chronicdiseasenotonlyputsthepatientunderstress butalsohighlysoforcaregivers.AllbutmostPatient AssistanceProgramsassistcaregiverswithsupportand services,whichoffertraining,counseling,andfinancial supporttospecificallytakecareoftheirlovedone.The helpservestorelievecaregiverstressandgeneral wellnessforthepatientandfamily
7. InsuranceandReimbursementProcessSupport
Chronicpatientsareburdenedwiththeuniverseof healthinsurance.ThereislittleornoPAPsaidand assistancetohelpfighttheinsurancecompaniesin tryingtoeducatethepatientsaboutwhatthey purchased,settleclaims,andbattledenials.This enablesthepatientstoreceivetheoptimal reimbursementfromtheirinsuranceandlowerout-ofpocketexpenses.
8. IncreasedAwarenessandAccessibility
ThemajorityofthepatientsareunawareofthePatient AssistancePrograms,andhencetheycanbe economicallysusceptibleondrugs.Physicians, philanthropicorganizations,andpharmaceutical companiesshouldadopttheinitiativesthrough communicationsbycampaignandoutreachsothatthe patientsareawareoftheprograms.Moreindividuals knowntoPAPs,morepatientswillgetanopportunity toavailtheassistance.
HowtoSignupforPAPs
JoinPAPsmostofteninvolvessomesignificantsteps:
• FindExistingPrograms:Patientsmustphone pharmaceuticalfirmsofdrugs,charities,and governmentagenciesinanefforttofindPAPsthat treattheircondition.
• ReviewEligibilityRequirements:Therearedifferent eligibilityrequirementsforeachprogramdepending onincome,insurance,anddiagnosis.
• SubmitRequiredDocuments:Theapplicantis requestedtoprovideproofofincome,prescription, medicalrecord,andinsurance.
• SubmitCompletedForms:Thecompletedformscan besubmittedonline,bymail,orbyahealthprovider
• FollowUpApplicationStatus:Thepatientsmust followuponthestatusoftheapplicationandcontact theprogramrepresentativesfortheirapproval.
Themanagementofchronicdiseaseiscostlyandtimeconsuming,butPAPsareasaviortotheunderserved.The programsenhancepatientswithchronicdiseasethrough provisionoffunding,drugavailability,education,and counselingservices.Improvedaccessibilityandinformation regardingPatientAssistanceProgramshavetheabilityto empowerpatientstogettheirrightfulmedication,andthe resultishealthierpopulationsandahealthyhealthsystem.
Patients,caregivers,andhealthcareprovidersneedtogo outandstruggletogetPatientAssistanceProgramssothat nooneisdiscouragedfrombeingabletomanagechronic illness.Withtheuseoftheseprograms,patientscanfocus ontheirhealthandwell-beingwithouttheaddedstressof budgetaryproblems.
-Natalie May
Future of Israeli Health-Tech
Itisimpossibletoseparategeopoliticsfrominnovationin Israelinthecurrentsituation.Theconflictthatwasstarted byHamashashadsignificantimpactontheIsraeli economy,andwillundoubtedlyhavelongtermimpactas well.Thisaffectsinnovationacrossallsectors,ofwhich healthcareisthemostprominent.
Israel’sstrengthinhealthinnovationtraditionallystemmed fromaccesstodata,butdataisnotthefullstory,and healthcaredatahasbecomecommoditized.Israel’srobust activityandprominencestemsfromthreeunderlying factorsthatareuniquetothecountry.
First,thehighconcentrationoftechnicalandmedicaltalent createsunprecedentedaccesstokeystakeholders.Founders canaccessallofthekeypartnerstheyneedforinnovation withintwodegreesofinnovation,whetheritbeleading cliniciansorpotentialindustrypartners.Thiscreatesa “virtuouscycle”ofrapidideationandproductization, augmentedtoovertwodecadesofdigitizedhealthcaredata andpatientrecords.
Secondly,Israelbenefitsfromasymbioticrelationship betweencorporateandindustrypartners,startups, healthcareorganizations,andthegovernment.Thereare75 multinationalcorporationswithastrongpresenceinthe Israelihealthcareecosystem,eachoneactivelyinvolved withsupportingstartupsandscouting,andworkingwiththe healthcareorganizationsontrialsandclinicalvalidations. Thehealthcareorganizations,bothprovidersandHMOs, haveformalizedinnovationmanagementpracticesthat fostersignificantcollaborationswithotherecosystem players,includinginternationally.Thegovernment,through theIsraelInnovationAuthority,offersmultiplepathwaysto supportIsraelisstartups,fromearlygrantsforR&Dthrough subsidiesforinternationalpilots.
Overthelastyearanadditionalfactorhasemergedthatis uniquetoIsrael:theprovenandunprecedentedcommitment tobusinesscontinuityandresiliency TheIsraelihealth
innovationecosystemhasshowntheworldthatfounders andinnovatorsareabletoovercomeextremesituationsand maintaindeliverables.Thiscanbeseenbythemultiple high-profileengagementsthathavebeenannouncedover thelasttwelvemonths.Thisincludesmajoracquisitions, likeV-WaveandJnJ,significantpartnerships,likeOracle andImageneorHighmarkandLaguna,aswellasnotable fundingrounds,likeNVIDIAandPfizer’srecent investmentinCytoReason.Thisalsoincludesmajor pharmaceuticalcompanieswhoovercamemajorobstacles inordertomaintainongoingclinicaltrials.
Thehealthcareorganizationsthemselveshavealso exhibitedunprecedentedfortitude,provingthat“necessity isthemotherofinnovation”.Asadirectresultofthe conflict,therapidresponseofIsraelihospitalsand clinicianshasspurnedanewoutcroppingofstartupsto addresschallengesontheground,specificallyregarding mentalhealth,emergencycare,andrehabilitation.Thisis supportedbygovernmentalincentiveprogramsaimedto integratestartupsintothesecriticalareasofcare.
Andwhileallofthisispositiveandimpressive,crackshave startedtoshowbecauseofthecontinuingconflict,andthere ispalpableanxietythatIsrael’scomparativeadvantagein healthcareinnovationwillerodeastheconflictpersists.
Therearemanystoriescirculatingintheecosystemof investorsdelayingtheirdeployment,orevenpullingtheir investmentsentirely.Israeliventurecapitalfirmsstruggleto raisenewcapitalfrominternationalLps.
C-levelexecutivesatmultinationalfirmsarepostponing expandedactivitiesattheirIsraelisites,possibly indefinitely.
BetweentheJudicialReformandtheWar,Israelhas struggledforovertwoyearstoshowstabilityandgrowth. Allthewhileinternationalcompetitorshavecontinuedto makestridesandprogress.Thelongerthisconflictplays out,thehighertheriskprofileofdoingbusinessinIsrael,
Author
YoavFisheristheHeadofStrategicInnovationforHealthIL,whereheleadsengagementswithstartups,investing entities,andmultinationalcorporates.PriortoHealthIL,Yoavworkedforaleadinghealth-focusedVCfund,andhestill maintainsinvestmentactivityasanangelinvestor Yoavalsooperatesasaconsultantandadvisortobothstartupsand investingentities.HeholdsanMAinEconomicsfromTelAvivUniversity.
andthegreatertheprobabilitythatpoliticswilloverpower business.Thereisonlysolongthat“resiliency”cancover forthehighergeopoliticalriskprofile,andthereconcern thattheIsraelihealthcareinnovationecosystemwillbeleft out,irrelevant,orrelegatedtopariahstatusonceeverything returnstonormal.
Therefore,theIsraeligovernmentmustactnow,beforeitis toolate,toensurethecontinuedgrowthofthehealthcare ecosystemandprepareforthedayafter
Forexample,thereareearlydiscussionsregarding unpackingandupgradingIsrael’slegacyIPregulationto matchinternationalstandards,whichhasbecomea hindrancetoinnovationincertainsituations.TheMinistry ofEconomyrecentlyofferedfinancialsubsidiesforIsraeli startupstoattendinternationalconferences.Taskforces havebeencreatedtoexploretheoptionofupgrading Israel’sEMRsystem,whichcouldpotentiallyunlockthe nextgenerationofhealthcareinnovation.Financial mechanismshavebeencreatedtoofferdownsideprotection forinstitutionalLPsandencouragetheirparticipationin
ventures.Thesearejustsomeofmanytargetedinitiatives thatarebeingexplored.
Israelwasdraggedintoawartheydidnotstartbyterrorist actors,muchlikethecitizensofGazaandLebanonwere draggedintoawartheydidnotstartbyterroristactors.The fasterwegettoamutuallybeneficialceasefire,thebetter forallpartiesinvolved.Butinthemeantime,itis imperativethatthegovernmenttakeconcretestepsto ensurethecontinuedcompetitiveadvantageofIsraeli healthcareinnovation.IfactionsarenottakennowIsraeli innovationwillnolongerberelevantontheglobalstage.
Thehigh-techcommunityinIsraelisthecriticaleconomic engineofthecountry,andtherearemanyinthe governmentwhorecognizethestrategicimportanceof supportingthissector.Thestepsthatthegovernmentneeds totakenowtoensurethefutureisclear.Thebiggestworry isthatotheractorsinthegovernmentwillnotdowhatis needed,andalloftheResiliencythatIsraelifoundershave provenwillbeinvain.
HealthIL is the governmental ecosystem for healthcare innovation in Israel. HealthIL works to address challenges in care for citizens worldwide throughthesuccessfulintegrationoftechnologyand startups into healthcare systems. Our approach is rooted in a holistic, extensive, needs-based assessment of healthcare systems, working crossfunction across all of the key stakeholders in healthcare, including startups, healthcare providers, governmentalagencies,multi-nationalcorporations, andinvestors.
HealthILisanindependentNGObackedbytheIsrael MinistryofEconomy,theMinistryofHealth,andthe IsraelInnovationAuthority. www.healthil.org
Improving Healthcare Affordability Through Community-Based Programs
Healthcarecostscontinuetorise,andquality
healthcareisnolongeraffordableformillionsof people.Reducingthecostofhealthcareisanissue thatisurgentenoughtonecessitatenewandcommunitybasedprograms.Community-basedprogramshavebeen showntobeaviableoptiontomakinghealthcareless expensivewithoutsacrificingthequalityandquantityof people.Theprogramsarefocusedonpreventivehealthcare, economicassistance,andregionalizedmedicalcenters, therebymakinghealthcareaffordableandaccessibletoall.
TheIncreaseinHealthcareExpense
Medicalcostshavebeenrisingwithanastronomicalroll callofcausesincludinghigh-pitchedmedicalprocedures, administrativecost,andgrowinglong-termillness.Most individualsandfamiliesareunabletopurchasenecessary healthinterventions,andwaitinguntilthecrisispointisthe onlyoptionleftbehind.Awiserstepmustbetakenoninan attempttotacklesuchissues,andoneproposedsolution comesatthecostofschemesinthelocalcommunity.
TheRoleofCommunity-BasedInitiativesin AffordabilityofHealth
Communityprogramsareprogramsthattakehealthcare servicestodoorstepsfreeofchargeoratminimalcharges. Localorganizations,non-profits,andgovernmentofficials areoftentheinitiators.Theyfocusontheprovisionofthe immediatehealthrequirementsofthecitizensatnocost, withindividualsreceivingqualitymedicalcare.
Preventivemedicineisdefinitelythebestwaytoreduce medicalexpensesinthelongrun.Everyactivityofthe communityisfocusedonmakingindividualsalertto healthyliving,diseaseprevention,andearlydiagnosisof disease.Freemedicalscreenings,immunizationcamps,and healthwork-shopskeepindividualshealthyanddonothave torelyoncostlymedicalproceduresinthefuture.
MobileClinicsandTelehealthServices
Themajorityoftheunderservedandruralpopulationslack directaccesstohealthcenters.Telehealthservicesand mobileclinicsbridgethisgapbytransportingmedical practitionerstotheunderserved.Theseservicesprovide consultation,diagnosticprocedures,andlow-level treatmentsatalowerpricefromthetraditionalhealth centers.Telehealthservices,forexample,allowpatientsto consultdoctorsfromadistanceatacost-effectivesavingon transportationtimeandmoneytoreachcare.
SlidingScalePaymentModels
Slidingscalepaymentplansareeasyincommunityhealth centerswhereindividualspayproportionatelyaccordingto incomelevels.Thesystemallowsthepoortoenjoy healthcarewithoutstrain.Slidingscaleschemes accommodateprimaryservices,dental,andmentalatlower fee.
LocalHealthPartnerships
Coordinationbetweenhealthprofessionals,local businesses,andnon-profitorganizationsisthecauseofthe affordabilityofmedicalcare.Thecollaborationsprovide fundingofhealthprograms,donatingmaterials,and providingfreeorsubsidizedhealthcaretoresidents.Private doctors,hospitals,andpharmaciesthatworktogethercan makeahealthcaresystemmoresustainableandaffordable.
CommunityHealthWorkers(CHWs)
CommunityHealthWorkers(CHWs)aretheaccessand affordabilitywindowtohealthcareservices.CHWsarea
bridgebetweenthecommunityandthehealthcareprovider andfacilitatenavigationthroughthehealthcaresystem, diseasechronicmanagement,andaccesstofinancial assistanceprograms.CHWsfacilitateeducationtotheclient onavailabletreatmentsandstemunnecessarymedical charges.
NonprofitandGovernmentAssistancePrograms
Inaddition,anumberofgovernmentandnongovernmental institutionsareprovidingpersonswithmedicalcarefunded byfinance.Medicaid,CHIP,andneighborhoodgrantsby regionalcommunitiesmakeservicesforhealthcare accessibleandfreetofamiliesofpoorbackground. Promotionofawarenesshelpsmakeresourcesreadily availableforeasyaccesstomorepersons.
AdvantagesofCommunity-BasedHealthcarePrograms
Benefitingfromhavingthecommunity-basedhealthcare programsincludes:
• LoweredHealthcareCosts:Interventionsand preventivecarestopunnecessaryemergencyvisitsand hospitalization.
• IncreasedHealthAccessibility:Communityalliances, telemedicine,andmobileclinicstakecareofall recognizedpopulations.
• EnhancedHealthOutcomes:Vaccines,healthcheckups,andwell-beingliteracyenhanceoutcomes.
• LoweredCostImpacts:Charitablecareprogramsand slidingscaleslowerthepoor'scosts.
• IncreasedCommunityInvolvement:Theseprograms fostercommunityparticipation,establishingaculture ofwell-beingandcompassion.
Conclusion
Improvementintheaffordabilityofhealthcareisrequired toestablishahealthierandmorejustsociety.Communitybasedprogramsarebudget-friendlyandcost-effective interventionsthatgrantpeoplethemedicalcaretheyneed withoutbecomingeconomicallyunsustainable.Byplacing astrongfocusonpreventivetreatment,mobilehealthcare, economicassistance,andcommunityoutreach,these programsareabletodeliverqualitycaretoeveryone. Policymakers,healthcareprofessionals,andlocal governmentsmustcontinuefundingandexpandingsuch programsinanefforttocombattheconstantissueofthe costofhealthcare.
-Natalie May
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Value-based care depends on doctor-patient communication and focuses on improving quality or length of life for patients.
