a16z Podcast The Real Price of Healthcare with Mark Cuban
28 snips
Mar 29, 2024 
Mark Cuban, renowned entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner, dives into the complexities of the healthcare industry. He discusses his venture, Cost Plus Drugs, aimed at revolutionizing prescription drug pricing through transparency and eliminating middlemen. Cuban emphasizes the challenges faced by innovative healthcare startups and critiques the traditional education system, advocating for practical skills over elite degrees. He celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit in America, stressing its role in maintaining innovation and the American dream.
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Droxidopa Story
- Mark Cuban recounts a story about a friend who faced a $10,000 medical bill for Droxidopa after losing insurance.
- Through Cost Plus Drugs, the cost was reduced to $50 a month, highlighting the stark price discrepancies in the healthcare system.
Cut the Middlemen
- Eliminate employee benefits managers to save substantial amounts of money on healthcare costs. Consider using a company credit card and asking for cash prices at hospitals to uncover potential savings.
Self-Insure and Negotiate
- If you self-insure, consider cutting ties with your current insurance company and pharmacy benefits manager (PBM). Working directly with providers and negotiating transparent contracts can significantly reduce healthcare expenses.