Solving The Great American Healthcare Heist
In the second half of our conversation with Chris Deacon, author of The Great American Healthcare Heist, we moved from diagnosing the problem to exploring real solutions. After walking us through the inner workings of what she calls America’s “coordinated healthcare heist,” we discussed how employers, unions, and individuals can take meaningful steps to reclaim control—and restore trust—in the system.
Chris made it clear that there’s no single silver bullet. Instead, she said, “We need to move in the right direction—toward anything that brings the patient and provider closer together.” That really struck me. At HELPcare, that’s exactly what we’re trying to do through our direct primary care model: eliminating unnecessary middlemen, reducing cost, and strengthening the doctor–patient relationship.
Chris emphasized that middle layers like insurance companies and PBMs add roughly 30% to healthcare costs without adding value. Every approval, denial, and administrative delay creates friction, frustration, and expense. The simplest way forward, she said, is to make the connection between patients and care teams more direct—whether through employer-based direct contracting or independent primary care practices.
Her passion for restoring primary care was unmistakable. “It’s the single greatest investment we can make in the health of our people,” she told us. By investing in primary care—especially direct primary care—employers can keep their teams healthier, prevent expensive downstream issues, and improve mental and physical well-being. “It sounds simple,” she said, “but it’s revolutionary.”
That’s what we’ve seen firsthand at HELPcare. When patients can see their doctor for 30 to 60 minutes, talk through lifestyle issues, and get proactive guidance, the results are transformative. Chris and I laughed about how “disruptive” it is to go back to an old-fashioned doctor–patient relationship. It’s almost like Back to the Future—the future of healthcare looks a lot like the past, when care was personal, local, and affordable.
We also discussed the burden of high-deductible health plans, which often discourage people from seeking basic care. Chris agreed that recent tax reforms—allowing Health Savings Accounts to be used for direct primary care memberships—are a major step forward. That change enables families to use pre-tax dollars for affordable, preventive care instead of waiting until they’re sick.
Another powerful part of our conversation centered on hospital charity care, known as “501R.” Many people don’t realize nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance to patients under a certain income threshold. Chris explained how some hospitals make it difficult to access that help, but she also pointed to new organizations making the process easier. It’s one more example of how transparency and advocacy can protect patients from crushing medical debt.
Finally, Chris and I reflected on how reform benefits not only patients, but also clinicians. At HELPcare, we’ve seen how direct primary care restores joy and purpose for physicians and nurses. As Chris put it, “We’re restoring something they got into medicine for.” I couldn’t agree more.
At HELPcare, we often say our mission is Restoring the Soul of Healthcare. Talking with Chris reaffirmed for me that change is possible—and it starts with rebuilding trust, prioritizing relationships, and empowering people to take charge of their health.
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