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Commercial Leaseback as a Strategic Funding Tool in Healthcare

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Healthcare organizations operate in one of the most capital-intensive industries in the economy. Hospitals, outpatient centers, physician groups, imaging facilities, hospice, senior care etc, must continually invest in high-cost equipment, technology, and compliance—all while managing reimbursement pressures, labor, and regulatory complexity. In this environment, access to flexible, non-dilutive capital is critical.

One increasingly attractive funding strategy is the commercial leaseback, a structure that allows healthcare providers to unlock capital tied up in owned real estate or equipment without interrupting operations. When used strategically, leasebacks can improve liquidity, strengthen balance sheets, and support long-term growth.

What Is a Commercial Leaseback?

A commercial leaseback (often called a sale-leaseback) is a transaction in which a company sells an owned asset to an investor and simultaneously leases it back for continued use. The seller becomes the tenant, while the buyer becomes the landlord or equipment lessor.

Leasebacks can involve:

  • Commercial real estate (hospitals, medical office buildings, surgery centers, labs)
  • Healthcare equipment (imaging systems, surgical equipment, diagnostic devices, IT infrastructure)

From the provider’s perspective, the transaction converts an illiquid, fixed asset into immediate cash while preserving full operational control of the facility or equipment.

Why Leasebacks Are Particularly Relevant in Healthcare

Healthcare providers often hold a disproportionate amount of capital in non-earning assets. A hospital campus, imaging center, or fleet of high-value equipment may be essential to operations but does not directly generate financial returns in the way clinical services do.

Leasebacks address several structural challenges common in healthcare:

  1. Capital constraints – Traditional bank financing may be limited, slow, or restrictive.
  2. Reimbursement pressure – Cash flow volatility makes liquidity critical.
  3. Rapid technology cycles – Equipment becomes obsolete faster than real estate depreciates.
  4. Growth demands – Expansion, acquisitions, and service line investments require capital.
  5. Balance sheet optimization – Asset-heavy balance sheets can limit strategic flexibility.

By monetizing owned assets, healthcare organizations can redeploy capital into patient care, growth initiatives, and operational improvements.

Real Estate Leasebacks in Healthcare

Common Asset Types

  • Acute-care hospitals
  • Medical office buildings (MOBs)
  • Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
  • Imaging centers
  • Behavioral health facilities
  • Specialty clinics and labs

In a real estate leaseback, the healthcare provider sells the property to an investor—often a healthcare-focused real estate fund or REIT—and signs a long-term lease, typically ranging from 10 to 25 years.

Benefits of Real Estate Leasebacks

Immediate liquidity
The transaction can free millions (or tens of millions) of dollars in capital that was previously tied up in bricks and mortar.

Operational continuity
Providers continue operating in the same facility with no disruption to patient care, staff, or branding.

Predictable occupancy costs
Long-term leases provide rent certainty, aiding budgeting and financial planning.

Risk transfer
Ownership risks such as market value fluctuations, structural obsolescence, and certain capital expenditures may shift to the investor, depending on lease terms.

Strategic focus
Management can focus on clinical outcomes and growth rather than property ownership.

Considerations and Trade-Offs

  • Lease terms may include escalators tied to inflation or fixed annual increases.
  • Some leases are triple-net (NNN), meaning the tenant remains responsible for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
  • Selling real estate reduces balance sheet assets, which may affect certain financial ratios.

For many healthcare providers, these trade-offs are acceptable when weighed against the liquidity and strategic flexibility gained.

Equipment Leasebacks in Healthcare

In addition to real estate, healthcare organizations often own millions of dollars in equipment—much of it rapidly depreciating but mission-critical.

Common Equipment Eligible for Leaseback

  • MRI, CT, PET scanners
  • Linear accelerators
  • Surgical robots
  • Cath lab equipment
  • Laboratory and diagnostic systems
  • IT and data center infrastructure

An equipment leaseback involves selling owned equipment to a lessor and leasing it back under fixed terms, often aligned with the useful life of the asset.

Why Equipment Leasebacks Make Sense

Unlocks trapped capital
Many providers own equipment outright that no longer supports financing but still holds significant market value.

Preserves clinical capability
Providers continue using the same equipment without interruption or retraining.

Aligns cost with usage
Lease payments spread the cost of equipment over time, matching expenses to revenue generation.

Supports technology refresh cycles
Lease structures can include upgrade or replacement options, helping providers avoid technological obsolescence.

Alternative to debt
Equipment leasebacks may be off-balance-sheet or treated differently than traditional loans, depending on accounting standards and structure.

Strategic Uses of Leaseback Capital in Healthcare

Healthcare organizations commonly use leaseback proceeds to:

  • Fund expansions or new service lines
  • Acquire physician practices or ambulatory centers
  • Invest in digital health, EHRs, and cybersecurity
  • Reduce higher-cost debt
  • Stabilize working capital during reimbursement delays
  • Support turnaround or restructuring initiatives

Unlike equity financing, leasebacks do not dilute ownership or governance control—an important consideration for physician-owned groups and nonprofit systems.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

In healthcare, leasebacks must be structured carefully to comply with applicable regulations, including:

  • Stark Law
  • Anti-Kickback Statute
  • Fair Market Value (FMV) requirements
  • Commercial reasonableness standards

Lease terms must reflect market rates and legitimate business purposes. Working with experienced healthcare legal counsel and specialized investors is essential to avoid compliance risk.

Who Uses Healthcare Leasebacks?

Leasebacks are used across the healthcare spectrum, including:

  • Independent physician groups
  • Multi-site specialty practices
  • Ambulatory surgery center operators
  • Regional hospital systems
  • Behavioral health and post-acute providers
  • Private equity-backed healthcare platforms

They are particularly valuable for organizations in growth mode or those seeking balance sheet flexibility without taking on additional traditional debt.

Conclusion

Commercial leasebacks—covering both real estate and equipment—represent a powerful but underutilized funding strategy in healthcare. By converting owned assets into liquid capital, providers can strengthen financial resilience, support growth, and focus on their core mission: delivering high-quality patient care.

In an industry facing constant change and capital pressure, leasebacks are not merely a financing tool—they are a strategic option for healthcare organizations seeking flexibility, stability, and long-term sustainability.

 

If you would like to discuss Lease Sale back in reference to your business, please Contact

August Trevino
Direct: ‪(210) 951-9268
e-Mail: au.ent9@gmail.com

 

August Trevino
Fractional Executive
Commercial Strategist
Direct: (210) 951-9268
e-Mail: au.ent9@gmail.com
Webpage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acttoday/

 

Right Health Systems hosts DreamHealth: Community Health Fair

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Right Health Systems is proud to host the upcoming Dreamhealth: Community Health Fair, a collaborative initiative created to improve access to quality healthcare resources while promoting education, prevention, and overall well-being within our community. Phoenix Management International is honored to support and promote the DreamHealth initiative, a cornerstone of the annual DreamWeek San Antonio Summit. This initiative unites healthcare providers, wellness advocates, local businesses, educational institutions, and community-focused organizations around a shared mission to expand access to essential health resources for individuals and families at every stage of life. By bringing services and support directly to the community, DreamHealth strengthens collective well-being, fosters meaningful collaboration, and advances long-term health equity throughout San Antonio and surrounding communities.

Event Details:
Date: January 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM
Location: San Antonio Botanical Gardens
555 Funston Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209

We invite you to come and join us for an afternoon of connection, education, and community empowerment as we work together to build healthier futures for all.

Add your support as a sponsor! Download the sponsor prospectus here. And then fill out the form to be a sponsor, or an exhibitor, here!

Right Health Systems, a 501(c), licensed health care system forged on the pillars of
Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education. EIN: 39-4092536
RIGHT HEALTH SYSTEMS:
MARQUEE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
A Dreamhealth feature

 

 

Medical Funding for Service and Healthcare Providers.

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12/2025 By August Trevino commercial strategist

Introduction:

Nature of Transaction: Funding is a debt (a loan), while factoring is considered the sale of an asset.

 Medical Receivable funding (MRF) is designed as a quick funding solution for service companies that bill healthcare providers directly. Examples would be staffing, transcription, hospice, supplies/devices, etc.

Medical factoring (MF) is designed as a quick funding solution for healthcare providers that bill insurance directly (Insurance Companies, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.). Examples would be physician medical practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing / assisted living facilities, etc.

Let’s start with Medical Receivable Funding. (MRF) has emerged as a vital financial tool for service companies that bill healthcare providers directly. In industries where cash flow is often strained by delayed reimbursements, MRF offers a streamlined solution to bridge the gap between invoicing and payment.

The challenge of delayed working with payments for healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term  care facilities, is that they operate within complex reimbursement structures. Payments may be delayed due to insurance verification, compliance checks, or administrative bottlenecks. For service companies that support these providers, such delays can create significant financial stress. Payroll obligations, vendor payments, and operational expenses continue regardless of when invoices are settled. Without reliable cash flow, even well-established businesses can struggle to maintain stability.

MRF is designed to address this challenge by converting outstanding receivables into immediate cash. Instead of waiting weeks or months for healthcare providers to pay invoices, service companies can sell or finance their receivables through specialized funding firms. These firms advance a percentage of the invoice value—often within 24 to 48 hours—providing the company with quick liquidity. Once the healthcare provider pays the invoice, the funding firm collects repayment, deducts its fees, and remits any remaining balance to the service company. This process is similar to commercial factoring but tailored specifically to the healthcare ecosystem. By focusing on receivables tied to medical providers, MRF firms understand the unique payment cycles and compliance requirements of the industry.

The advantages of MRF are multifaceted:

  • Immediate Cash Flow: Companies gain access to funds quickly, ensuring they can cover payroll, purchase supplies, and manage day-to-day operations without disruption.
  • Operational Stability: Predictable funding allows businesses to plan growth strategies, expand services, and invest in new technologies.
  • Reduced Financial Stress: By eliminating the uncertainty of delayed payments, MRF helps companies focus on service delivery rather than collections.

This next section deals with medical factoring (MF).

Healthcare providers operate in a financial environment unlike most other industries. Physician practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing or assisted living facilities often deliver services upfront but must wait weeks—or even months—for reimbursement from insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid. This lag in payment can create significant cash flow challenges. Medical factoring (MF) has emerged as a practical solution, offering immediate liquidity by turning receivables into cash.

What Is Medical Factoring?

Medical factoring is a financial transaction in which healthcare providers sell their insurance receivables to a factoring company. Instead of waiting for insurers or government programs to process claims, providers receive a cash advance—often within 24 to 48 hours. The factoring company then collects the payment directly from the insurer when it becomes due. Importantly, this arrangement is not a loan. Funding through traditional debt instruments adds liabilities to the balance sheet, while factoring is considered the sale of an asset. This distinction makes MF an attractive option for providers seeking liquidity without incurring debt.

Why Healthcare Providers Use MF

Healthcare organizations face high operating costs, from payroll and medical supplies to rent and compliance expenses. Delayed reimbursements can disrupt operations, even for financially stable practices. Medical factoring addresses these challenges by:

  • Accelerating cash flow: Providers gain immediate access to funds tied up in insurance claims.
  • Avoiding debt obligations: Factoring does not involve interest payments or loan covenants.
  • Reducing administrative burden: Factoring companies often manage collections, freeing staff to focus on patient care.
  • Supporting growth: Reliable cash flow enables providers to expand services, hire staff, or invest in new equipment.

Who Benefits from Medical Factoring?

Medical factoring is particularly useful for organizations that bill insurance directly. Examples include:

Physician practices: Smaller clinics often struggle with reimbursement delays. Factoring ensures they can cover payroll and operating costs.

  • Hospitals: Large institutions face significant overhead. Factoring stabilizes cash flow during periods of high patient volume.
  • Rehabilitation centers: Extended treatment programs rely heavily on insurance payments. Factoring provides predictable funding.
  • Nursing and assisted living facilities: With ongoing care needs and high staffing costs, these organizations benefit from faster access to receivable funds.

How the Process Works

  1. Claim submission: The provider submits insurance claims as usual.
  2. Sale of receivables: The factoring company purchases the claims, typically advancing 70–90% of their value immediately.
  3. Collection: The factoring company collects payment from the insurer.
  4. Settlement: Once payment is received, the factoring company remits the remaining balance to the provider, minus a small fee.

Advantages and Considerations for these types of funding.

Medical factoring and funding offers clear advantages: speed, flexibility, and reduced financial stress. However, providers should carefully evaluate these companies. Fees vary, and transparency in contract terms is essential. As example disclosures, some companies alter the client that you are factoring and some companies will keep this confidential. While factoring improves cash flow, it does not increase reimbursement rates or eliminate systemic delays in insurance processing. It is always advised to seek advice from a professional with experience in this field.

 

August Trevino

FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVE

COMMERCIAL STRATEGIST 

Direct: ‪(210) 951-9268

e-Mail: au.ent9@gmail.com

Webpage: linkedin.com/in/acttoday

Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association in San Antonio

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The Alzheimer’s Association is steadfast in its mission to serve the San Antonio community through comprehensive support, cutting-edge research funding, and tireless advocacy for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This year has marked significant milestones in our local fight against this devastating disease. We’re proud to introduce our first-ever Alzheimer’s Association mobile app, a groundbreaking tool designed to guide individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias directly to the support and education they need to navigate this challenging journey. This innovative resource puts critical information, care strategies, and connection to our services right at users’ fingertips, making it easier than ever to access help whenever and wherever it’s needed.

The passage of Proposition 14 represents a historic victory for Texans impacted by Alzheimer’s, authorizing crucial state funding for research and support services that will strengthen our ability to serve families throughout the San Antonio region. As we close out another successful Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising season, we’re deeply grateful to the thousands of participants, volunteers, and donors who join us through the end of the year in raising critical funds and awareness. Funding raised stays local, supporting free care consultations, support groups, educational programs, and our 24/7 Helpline that serves as a lifeline for caregivers navigating the challenges of this disease.

Looking ahead to spring, we’re excited to begin preparations for our signature gala event, which promises to be an elegant evening of community, hope, and fundraising. This celebration will bring together San Antonio’s most dedicated advocates, supporters, and community leaders to honor those we’ve lost, support those currently fighting, and invest in the breakthrough treatments and care solutions of tomorrow.

Whether you participated in this year’s Walk or are looking for ways to get involved, we invite you to join us in building a stronger, more supportive San Antonio for everyone touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

by Valerie Levario

 

Healthcare Leaders is helping support the Poco Loco team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and will be collecting donations at our December 11th, 2025 and our January 8th, 2026 networking mixers. If you are unable to join us on those dates, you can still help us support this important cause by scanning the QR code below. Join us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s!

 

Webinar: The RPC Method by Dr. Uejin Kim

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Dr. Uejin Kim is a dual board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent and adult care. She provides compassionate care by “bridging spirituality and mental health” through her practice, Restore Psychiatry She is a devoted Christian, a compassionate mother and an advocate for mental wellness.

On November 13th, 2025, HLSA was honored to host Dr. Kim as our special guest for a webinar titled, The RPC method: Achieving True Success & Freedom for High Achievers. A perfect topic for many healthcare professionals whose jobs include high-stress, high-responsibility decisions that can leave them feeling drained and overwhelmed, leading to burnout and disconnection. If you missed the life webinar, we hope you can take some time now to watch as Dr. Kim discusses techniques for learning to pause in your busy work schedule without self-judgment, how to protect your energy, and how to reconnect with purpose- transforming stress into resilience.

 

Navigating the Complexities of Medical Billing: Coding Errors and Medicare Denials

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Medical billing remains one of the most persistent administrative challenges for physicians. Coding errors and the high rate of Medicare claims denials are among the top perennial issues—and both can significantly impact practice revenue and operational efficiency.

Coding errors, whether due to outdated codes, misinterpretation of clinical documentation, or simple clerical mistakes, are a leading cause of claim rejections. Due in no small part to the complex and changing nature of the code sets. The ICD-10  updates for FY2025, for example, included 252 new codes, 36 code deletions, and 13 code revisions. These changes, along with the similarly evolving CPT codes, require ongoing education and rigorous attention to detail. Even minor discrepancies—such as mismatched procedure and diagnosis codes—can trigger denials, delay payments, or invite audits.

The need for vigilance in billing and coding is nowhere more apparent than with Medicare, the largest payer in the U.S. healthcare system. According to recent data, average Medicare denial rates for physicians can range from 5% to 10%, depending on specialty and region. Common reasons include insufficient documentation, incorrect modifiers, and lack of medical necessity. These denials not only reduce cash flow but also increase administrative burden, as practices must invest time and resources into appeals and resubmissions.

The financial implications are substantial. Rejected claims can lead to lost revenue, especially if not corrected promptly. Moreover, repeated errors may flag a provider for compliance reviews, adding legal and reputational risks.

To mitigate these challenges, many practices are turning to third-party revenue cycle management companies, certified medical coders, automated billing software, and regular audits. However, even with these tools, the human element remains critical—accurate documentation and clear communication between clinical and billing teams are essential.

In an era of value-based care and tightening reimbursement models effective medical billing skills and solutions are indispensable to sustaining your practice.

 

Editor’s note: We discovered this Linkedin post by Anoop Silva, President of Wave Online, shortly after publishing article and wanted to add it as a postscript because it resonates so closely with the things we hear at our networking events, i.e. less than optimal documentation habits, poor modifier usage and workflow inconsistencies contribute greatly to revenue loss.

Outside The Box Funding for Medical Practice and Healthcare Business

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Whether you are a physician’s office or in some form of healthcare delivery  you accept or should be accepting credit cards. This opens the door for an excellent form of credit line funding known as a merchant advance (MCA).

A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a form of business funding designed for companies that generate consistent revenue and may need fast access to working capital. Unlike traditional bank loans, an MCA is not technically a loan. Instead, it is the purchase of a portion of a business’s future receivables in exchange for a lump-sum amount of funding, the business agrees to repay the advance using a percentage of daily or weekly sales or a fixed debit schedule drawn directly from its business bank account.

One of the main advantages of an MCA is the speed of funding. Many providers can approve applications and deposit funds within 24 to 72 hours. This makes MCAs appealing to businesses that need to cover urgent expenses, seize a time-sensitive opportunity, or handle temporary cash-flow gaps. Additionally, credit requirements tend to be much more flexible compared to traditional financing. Businesses with lower credit scores or limited collateral can still qualify as long as they show consistent revenue.

There are two primary methods of repayment. The first is called split funding, where a small percentage of each credit card transaction is automatically taken out and directed to the provider. The second method, now more common, is ACH daily or weekly repayment, in which a set amount is withdrawn directly from the business’s bank account. Because of this arrangement, a business does not generally need a specific merchant account provider to receive an MCA. Most existing payment systems work just fine. The main requirement is being able to provide bank statements and revenue history.

However, it is important to understand the cost structure. Instead of an interest rate, MCAs use a factor rate, which is a multiplier applied to the advance amount. For example, if a business receives $20,000 and the factor rate is 1.25, the total repayment amount becomes $25,000. The factor rate does not change based on how quickly or slowly the business repays because many MCAs are repaid over a short period (often a few months).

To qualify, most providers look at revenue stability, average monthly sales, the length of time the business has been operating, and the consistency of deposits. A history of frequent overdrafts or insufficient funds may reduce approval chances. Businesses that process consistent daily or weekly sales, especially through debit and credit card transactions, tend to receive more favorable offers.

Before accepting an MCA, businesses should review the repayment method and ensure it fits with their cash flow. It is advisable to seek a consultant who is well versed on MCA’s. A repayment schedule that is too aggressive can create financial strain. It is also valuable to compare multiple offers, review all fees, and understand whether the agreement renews or stacks additional advances. As a note, once paid you can immediately pull another MCA. Also in most cases you will qualify for a higher loan amount at a lower factor.

Merchant cash advances can be a useful financing tool when used strategically. They provide speed, flexibility, and accessibility, especially for businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans. The key is to approach them with clear understanding, careful evaluation, and thoughtful planning to ensure they support the business rather than overwhelm it.

AugustTrevino

Mr. August Trevino is a commercial strategist with over thirty years of experience with specialization in small business funding. To discuss your business funding needs he can be reached at email, au.ent9@gmail.com Ph, (210) 951-9268‬

Strategies for Engaging Patients Who Self-Diagnose via the Internet

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Author: ProAssurance

Time pressures1 and lack of patient trust2 are factors that can contribute to physician burnout. Patients who self-diagnose based on internet research combine these factors. Expecting self-diagnosing-patients to passively receive physician-delivered medical information will likely increase the frustration of both parties. Therefore, it can be more productive with these challenging patients to integrate their internet information into patient education.

This approach can improve clinical communication, strengthen the physician-patient partnership, increase patient satisfaction, and result in better outcomes. Time management strategies can help physicians keep discussions about internet content limited to the confines of the scheduled visit. When handled correctly, there is a silver lining to patient internet use.

Internet Websites for Patient Education

There are many websites that offer health advice and information. The Medical Library Association provides guidance on finding good health information. The websites listed below can get you started on your own recommendations for patients:

References

  1. Cory Pitre, et al. “Physician Time Management.” MedEdPORTAL, February 2018.
  2. James F. Sweeney. “The Eroding Trust Between Patients and Physicians.” Medical Economics, 4/10/2018.

 

Full Article Link: https://proassurance.com/knowledge-center/strategies-for-engaging-patients-who-self-diagnose-via-the-internet

 

Read more from ProAssurance: https://proassurance.com/knowledge-center

When Healing Others Becomes a Way to Avoid Ourselves: The Quiet Cost of High Performance in Healthcare

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If you work in healthcare—whether you’re a nurse, a doctor, a manager, or someone who works with data—you carry a lot of responsibility. People count on you for their health, safety, and care. And you’re probably really good at handling that pressure.

You’re used to pushing through tough days. You solve problems, stay late, and make hard decisions. You always show up. That’s what makes you great at your job.

But there’s something many people in healthcare quietly struggle with: perfectionism. The pressure to always do everything right and never make mistakes might seem like a strength. But it can also lead to something more serious—emotional fragility.

When you believe your worth depends on your performance, it can be exhausting. You might start to wonder if you’re ever doing enough. Over time, this stress can build up, and you may feel disconnected from yourself and the people around you.

Research shows that perfectionism is linked to higher risks of mental health problems, including depression and suicide. This doesn’t mean perfectionism always leads to those things—but it does mean we need to be aware of how much pressure we’re putting on ourselves.

In healthcare, it’s easy to tie your value to things that can be measured: how quickly you care for patients, how many tasks you complete, and how good your reviews are. But things like connection, reflection, and rest don’t show up on charts or dashboards—and yet, they’re just as important.

So we keep working. One more patient. One more meeting. One more emergency. And slowly, we lose touch with the things that bring us peace, joy, and meaning.

That’s when the real cost shows up.

We become leaders who are respected but feel alone. Healthcare workers who are great at their jobs but drained. Parents or partners who are present, but distant. We care for everyone else but forget to care for ourselves. I know this because I have been there: carrying work performance stress to my kids or not being present in meetings because I feel like I am failing at managing my house.

But here’s the truth: your value isn’t in how well you do things. It’s in who you already are.

To live a life that’s not just sustainable—but also satisfying—we need more than hard work and success. We need emotional resilience: the ability to stay grounded, connected, and strong even when life gets hard. Really, the key to emotional resilience is the ability to accept grace.

Moving from emotional fragility to emotional resilience is the key to staying well in a demanding field like healthcare. It helps you stay present in your relationships, enjoy your work more, and remember why you chose this path in the first place.

Want to know where you stand? Take our free Emotional Fragility Quiz—a simple way to check in with yourself and start building more resilience in your life.

👉 [Take the free quiz now]

You don’t have to carry everything alone. And you don’t have to be perfect to be enough.

by Dr. Uejin Kim, MD

www.uejinkim.com

 

O’Connor, R. C. (2010). The relations between perfectionism and suicidality: A systematic review. Suicide and Life‑Threatening Behavior, 37(6), 698–714. https://doi.org/10.1521/suli.2007.37.6.698 Wiley Online LibraryUniversity of Stirling

Smith, M. M., Sherry, S. B., Chen, S., Saklofske, D. H., Mushquash, C., Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2017). The perniciousness of perfectionism: A meta‑analytic review of the perfectionism–suicide relationship. Journal of Personality. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12333 ray.yorksj.ac.ukPubMed

Hewitt, P. L., Flett, G. L., & Turnbull‑Donovan, W. (1992). Perfectionism and suicide potential. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 101(4), 602–607. (Note: Publication details match findings; but source indicates the study on psychiatric patients) PubMed

Authors, (Year). Perfectionism, prospective near‑term suicidal thoughts and behaviors: The mediation of fear of humiliation and suicide crisis syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), Article 1424. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041424 PubMedMDPI

Etherson, M. E., Smith, M. M., Hill, A. P., Sherry, S. B., Curran, T., Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2024). Perfectionism, feelings of not mattering, and suicide ideation: An integrated test of the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model and the Existential Model of Perfectionism. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 42(6), 725–742. https://doi.org/10.1177/07342829241237421 SAGE Journalsray.yorksj.ac.uk

 

Big Changes for 2025–2026 Healthcare Enrollment — What You Need to Know

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As the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period approaches, big changes are on the horizon for both Medicare and ACA Marketplace plans. Whether you’re a senior evaluating your Medicare coverage or an individual relying on ACA subsidies, this year’s decisions could have a major impact on your health and finances.

⚠️ Original Medicare Vs Medicare Advantage.  Which is better? 

Recent reports in, 2025 show approximately 34.1 Million Medicare beneficiaries, or 54% of the 62.8 million people on Medicare A & B are in Medicare Advantage plans. Many of these don’t understand or know the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA), yet the distinctions are substantial.

Medicare Advantage was codified by Congress in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 as a cost saving measure for Medicare. When you enroll in Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare transfers all responsibility for your care to private insurance. Medicare then pays that private insurance company a fixed monthly amount to manage your medical care. The MA then in exchange assumes full responsibility to cover all costs associated with your care. This fundamentally alters how providers are paid, and places insurer oversight over your care and dramatically changes the dynamic between patients, providers, and payers. Because of this, some providers opt out of Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare, by contrast pays providers directly when Medicare approved services are rendered. This gives providers more freedom and less restrictions when developing treatment plans as long as they follow Medicare-approved guidelines.

MA plans have faced scrutiny in recent years for strict preauthorization requirements for treatment which have led to delays, denials, and a burdensome appeals process. Some MA plans have also been found inflating patient diagnoses codes in billing to secure higher compensation from Medicare. Talks between regulators and industry leaders earlier this year, yielded an agreement in which insurers will work to ease preauthorization requirements which they know will raise operating costs. In response, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a monthly compensation increase to insurers. But industry experts warn the increased costs for services will likely be passed on to members through increased copays, coinsurance and premiums. They also expect insurers to reduce or eliminate popular perks that have historically aided MA enrollment such as dental, vision, and gym memberships.  These changes could prompt many beneficiaries to reconsider a switch back to Original Medicare, which offers nationwide provider access without network restrictions, few preauthorization hurdles, and the option to pair with Medigap for very low and predictable out-of-pocket costs.

This year’s enrollment window is a perfect opportunity to reevaluate coverage and explore whether Original Medicare might offer better protection and peace of mind.

💸 ACA Plans: Subsidy Rollback Ahead

For those enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans, 2026 is expected to bring serious sticker shock. Enhanced subsidies are set to expire, meaning premiums could rise by as much as 75%. Currently, 92% of ACA enrollees receive subsidies that cap premiums at 8.5% of income, even for higher earners. Without these supports, many may be forced to drop coverage or seek alternatives.

One such alternative gaining traction is health sharing plans. While not traditional insurance, these plans offer lower monthly costs and have appealed to healthy individuals looking for budget-friendly options. However, they come with limitations and may not offer the same protections as ACA-compliant plans.

🧠 Need Help Navigating Your Options?

At InsuranceSmart, we specialize in helping Texans make informed decisions about their health coverage. With over 20 years of experience in Medicare, health, life, and long-term care insurance, we’re here to guide you through every step—from comparing plans to understanding your benefits.

Whether you’re considering a switch to Original Medicare or exploring ACA alternatives, we offer free consultations and personalized support to help you get the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

📞 Call us today at 210-972-9035 🌐Visit InsuranceSmart to learn more or schedule your free consultation  www.GetInsuranceSmart.Com

by Mike Sosso