Spellman foresees the day when the government gives a Medicare tax break to those participating in some type of fitness program. In addition to these approaches, administrators agree there will absolutely have to be some federal policy changes. But employers and consumers are a necessary force in bringing about those changes. There are some 30 mandates that have worked their way into health care products. Maybe we need them and maybe be don't, but we need to be aware of that.
Forced mandates are the biggest challenge of all.
In fact, just trying to keep up with federal regulations and paperwork is a huge expense in itself. Payers should just say 'we aren't going to cover this,' says Spellman, who foresees at least eight rural New Mexican hospitals closing this year. But don't make us obligated to cover it. We can't continue to promise all things to all people. When the Baby Boom population hits Medicare, it's going to be a fiasco and no amount of pussyfooting around at the federal level is going to change that big demographic train coming right at us.