community spotlight
Sedera Creates a Community of Health Care Cost Sharing by Sheila Julson
A
fter a career in The company sees 250,000 advertising, Leslie medical fundraising camAllen struck out on paigns per year started by her own in the employee/ individuals (gofundme.com/ individual benefit field start/medical-fundraising). offering health care plans Allen also cites a study puband supplemental benefits lished in the American Journal for consumers. After seeing of Medicine that found 60 many changes during the percent of U.S. bankruptcies nearly two decades in the result from medical bills, and business, she realizes that that 77 percent of those people one size does not fit all. had major medical insurance Leslie Allen Allen watched clients at the time. struggle with the traditional Sedera brings together healthcare model where monthly premia powerful community of individuals and ums can be prohibitive; the cost to use the families to be active and engaged participroduct was excessive due to high initial pants in their healthcare decision-making. out-of-pocket costs or surprise bills; and “The concept is simple and incredibly powconfining restrictions of networks. She erful,” Allen says. “There are no networks, came to embrace the medical cost sharing and members can seek treatment where (MCS) model of health care which has been they wish. There are no insurance cards; around since the early 20th century, based Sedera members are cash pay patients.” on a community of like-minded individu She explains that the member selects als coming together to share in each other’s an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) medical needs. that suits them. It could be $500, $1,000, Sedera, headquartered in Austin, was $1,500 or $2,500. This is the initial amount founded in 2014 by Dr. Tony Dale, of Great a member pays on their own prior to any Britain, is led by president and CEO Jamie amount that may be eligible for sharing. Lagarde and operates nationwide. “More than Once the IUA is met, expenses are submit1 million members have shared billions of ted to Sedera headquarters, reviewed and dollars in medical expenses across the vari- negotiated. The funds are then delivered to ous sharing ministries,” Allen says. Typically, MCS ministries require members to make a statement of belief or faith, but Sedera has removed the barriers to entry by building on a set of ethical beliefs, creating an inclusive community regardless of personal belief or faith. “The market is changing, and we’re on the precipice of huge changes in health care,” she says. “Sedera is a terrific fit for what I see for the future.”
the member for payment to their providers, which typically takes 30 days. Allen says bills are reduced by up to 50 percent. A dedicated member advisor helps the member navigate the situation the entire time. She cites an example. “Dad develops pneumonia, which requires hospitalization for three days at a total cost of $12,000. His IUA is $500, leaving the remaining $11,500 eligible for sharing. Or Mom is diagnosed with skin cancer requiring lab work and surgical removal on an outpatient basis at a total cost of $3,500. Her IUA is $500, leaving the remaining $3,000 eligible for sharing.” Allen emphasizes that Sedera promotes freedom of choice and supports members’ ability to choose their own doctors and healthcare facilities, as well as allowing the freedom to choose their personal strategy for dealing with medical issues. “The Sedera model and corporate culture is one that is truly committed to lifting up one another’s burdens,” Allen advises. “Members have access to a partner throughout the entire process. There’s a robust prescription program in the Rx marketplace with access to international pharmacies, bulk home delivery service, discount cards and prescription assistance directly with the manufactures. There’s a telemed service and the Doctor’s Second Opinion feature to give members even more choices. They become their own best advocate and are actively involved in taking care of their own health. Health care can be complicated and expensive. We believe it should be affordable, efficient and transparent.” For More information visit Sedera.Community/LeslieAllen. See ad, page 33.
March 2021
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