Our trip to the White House to support health care
Representing small businesses, our employees and our patients
Rich and Leslie Baudry were invited to attend the signing of the executive order by President Trump for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) Health Care Plan last week. Rich explains why this is an important first step for our country’s health care:
It was a great honor to represent small business this past week in Washington. As a small business owner, our employees are our number one asset. They are a second family to us, and as such, we want to ensure that they can live healthier, fuller lives. In fact, that’s what we want for all of our clients. That’s the essence of what our business is all about.
When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, our insurance premiums increased, while our health care choices decreased. But it didn’t just affect businesses. The overall cost for health insurance and even the health services we provide has increased for our employees and our patients, too. We believe that having more choices and fostering a healthy workplace environment is essential to the overall well-being of our employees and patients.
In the United States, the total dollar spent on health care is about 17% of our GDP (2014). Yet we rank 37th in health care systems, according to the World Health Organization. Apparently, throwing more money at the problem doesn’t seem to be the solution.
As a health care provider, we believe the country needs to develop a better culture of health and wellness. If we are proactive, develop healthier habits, and live healthier lives, we will cut many of the major health care expenses, especially those associated with preventable diseases. If we all do our part to live healthier, our robust health care system will be well equipped to effectively take care of the uncontrollable illnesses that many people suffer.
Our bodies are incredible machines capable of incredible healing. By cultivating a culture of proactive physical, mental, and spiritual wellness behaviors, we can certainly be the best health care system in the world. It starts with each of us.
Commit to developing healthy habits, while encouraging others to do the same, and let’s see what happens.
Disclaimer: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
Watch the signing of the executive order, recorded from the White House below.