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Living the Mission in Health and Business to Achieve Health Equity

Healthcare leaders are urged to address growing disparities to avoid economic repercussions, with potential costs reaching $1 trillion annually by 2040. This urgency is intensifying efforts towards achieving health equity, as highlighted in a discussion with Sameer Kokan from Point32Health. Innovative strategies and public accountability are pivotal in these initiatives.

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By Brian Urban · Brian UrbanHealth EquityHealthcare Rethink PodcastHealthcare Solutions
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Living the Mission in Health and Business to Achieve Health Equity

Key takeaways

01

Health disparities could cost the economy $451 billion annually, potentially rising to $1 trillion by 2040.

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As health disparities come under the spotlight, the urgency to achieve health equity in the healthcare sector intensifies. With the industry at a crossroads, a recent study funded by the NIH highlighted the staggering economic impact of these disparities, revealing an estimated cost of $451 billion to the economy in 2018 alone. That figure could jump as high as $1 trillion annually in spending by 2040 if the problem is left unsolved.

That figure could jump as high as $1 trillion annually in spending by 2040 if the problem is left unsolved.

Are leading healthcare organizations stepping up to address this challenge? If so, what innovative strategies are reshaping the future to achieve health equity?

On Healthcare Rethink, host Brian Urban sat down with Sameer Kokan, VP and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Point32Health. This episode explores Point32Health's transformative approaches to health equity.

Urban and Kokan's discussion includes the following:

  • The significance of health equity in modern healthcare and its economic implications
  • The industry's response and commitment to addressing health disparities
  • The role of innovative strategies and public accountability in driving health equity initiatives

With a rich background spanning various facets of healthcare, Sameer Kokan offers invaluable insights. From aspiring to be a physician to pivoting towards the business side of healthcare, Kokan's diverse experiences mark the path of his journey. At Point32Health, he champions the cause of health equity, emphasizing the need for collaborative and data-driven approaches.

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About the author

Brian Urban
Brian UrbanDirector of Innovation & Emerging Markets

Brian Urban has a deep skill set in health promotion and product development for rare disease and senior populations with Large Health Plans and Specialty Pharmacy. Urban has served as a speaker on such topics for the Alzheimer’s Association, Obediah Cole Prostate Cancer Foundation, Cigna Corp and Utica University Institute for the study of integrative healthcare. Urban has received a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology-Health Promotion, Masters of Business Administration in Market Development and is currently completing a Masters in Public Health at Dartmouth College. Urban is currently a research-fellow sponsored by a Robert Wood Johnson Grant supporting Utica University public health research in Upstate New York.

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About the Experts

Brian Urban
Brian Urban

Director of Innovation & Emerging Markets

Brian Urban has a deep skill set in health promotion and product development for rare disease and senior populations with large health plans and specialty pharmacy. Urban has served as a speaker and advocate for health equity initiatives.

SK
Sameer Kokan

VP and Chief of Staff to the CEO

Point32Health

Sameer Kokan champions health equity at Point32Health, emphasizing collaborative and data-driven approaches. His diverse experiences span from aspiring physician to a leader in healthcare strategy.

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