Dan Cook
Portland
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Communicator-for-hire: writer, editor, reporter, researcher. Associated with To the Point and Wiki Strategies.
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Articles by Dan Cook
Sussex Democrats hold annual Jamboree
Sen. Chris Coons gets the Democrats excited about the future of Delaware. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings psychs up the crowd. District 20 Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, speaks about Delaware having a Blue Wave. Ted Lauzen, a candidate for state treasurer, speaks with the attendees about how he's going to run a tough but transparent office. Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, says he's not up for re-election but will continue working for the people of the 6th District.
Europa Strengthens Presence With System Alliance
Europa Road has boosted its continental credentials by becoming part of the leading network European System Alliance, offering customers a seamless and extended service. Europa Road is the European road freight division of pioneering independent operator Europa Worldwide Group. System Alliance Europe eG (SAE) is a network of leading European freight forwarders with 153 operations in 29 European countries and is Europe’s biggest freight network.
How to Make AI Work for You
Xenco Medical has 16 different FDA product families in play that include a burgeoning line of biomaterial implants. The company has long been a pure-play spine company, but recently began branching out into orthopedic oncology, foot and ankle and orthopedic traumatology. Jason Haider, Xenco Medical CEO, wanted the company’s biomaterials platform to spearhead those ventures.
War at the Shore cocktail contest raises funds for local rescue
The eighth annual War at the Shore bartender competition was held Nov. 9 at Bethany Blues on Route 1 in Lewes. Proceeds from the event go to Grass Roots Rescue, a foster-based rescue in Milton. Bethany Blues bar manager Ryan Minnick created this year’s competition and teamed local bartenders with regional photographers, where the drinks in the contest were made in collaboration to feature historic/nostalgic Sussex County.
New Year, New Baxter On The Board
Building on a decade of innovation in road freight operations, Europa Worldwide Group is preparing for the next era of transformation. From 1 January 2026, the Dartford Headquartered firm has announced the appointment of a new Operations Director to the Board. Having been instrumental in building its market-leading operation, Europa’s current Operations Director Dan Cook, is exiting the industry at the end of the year.
GOP hosts prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk
A large crowd gathered at the Georgetown Circle Sept. 14 for a candlelight prayer vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. The event was hosted by the Delaware Republican Party with the Sussex County Republican Committee. The vigil brought together community members, leaders and supporters to reflect on Kirk’s legacy, pray for his loved ones and reaffirm the enduring fight for truth, faith and freedom.
Build Long-term Team Success With a Growth Mindset
Enovis eclipsed $1 billion in recon sales for the first time in 2024 and is poised to grow in the high single digits, surpassing $2 billion in total worldwide revenue in 2025. Gary Justak, President and General Manager of Enovis’ Foot & Ankle business, said an aggressive M&A strategy, highlighted by the additions of Novastep and LimaCorporate in the past two years, has helped fuel the company’s growth. “We’ve also made significant internal investments in product development.
Post 5 hosts Memorial Day ceremony in Rehoboth
Tom Dahl, commander, Henlopen American Legion Post 5, serves as emcee for the program. Elks Lodge 2540 members (l-r) Marty Schreck, Ralph Patterson and Dan Celia stand with the Elks wreath. Deb Guenther, American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary president, presents the Ladies Auxiliary wreath. Army veteran Norma Kline stands during the service medley. Billy Baker salutes during the service medley. Robert Turner, Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, salutes during the service medley.
Health & Fitness Expo held at Cape
An estimated 1,600 visitors attended the eighth annual Delaware Resorts Health, Fitness & Leisure Expo held March 8 at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and learn about a variety of products and services showcased by nearly 100 exhibitors at the free event. Many exhibitors represented government agencies and nonprofit organizations such as Pathways to Success, Cape Henlopen Mentoring, Blood Bank of Delmarva and two veterans organizations.
Candy Cane Lane is a homemade hit in Lewes
More than 120 local vendors participated in the Candy Cane Lane Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 14 at Cape Henlopen High School. Homemade wreaths, quilts, woodwork, glassware, baked goods, hot chocolate and more were available. There was even a visit by Santa and his elf. Candy Cane Lane was hosted by Saltwater Roots Boutique & Events, owned by Sherry and Emmy Wyatt.
AmVets Post 2 holds Veterans Day ceremony
Dave Dolby Sussex AmVets Post 2 in Long Neck honored veterans and remembered comrades who fell in battle or following service to their country Nov. 11 in Long Neck. Speakers for the event included AmVets Post 2 Commander Dave Heffline, AmVets Department of Delaware Commander Tom Jones, District 4 Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, AmVets Post 2 Sons Commander Les Paulson and AmVets Post 2 Ladies Auxiliary President Trudy Moore. For more information about AMVETS Post 2, go to www.sussexamvetspost2.com.
American Legion Post 28 celebrates veterans
American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, when attendees honored the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Marine Corps veteran Sean Jones sang a powerful version of the national anthem. Post 28 Commander Joe Brown read a tribute to veterans. Karen Knight of Heartsongs Ministries performed a musical tribute to the armed forces while a video honored all who have fought in all wars and conflicts. She also sang a salute to all military branches.
Seventh Fall Home Expo welcomes 1,500 to Cape High
Delaware Resorts Expos held its seventh annual Fall Home Expo Sept. 21-22 at Cape Henlopen High School, where hundreds of visitors gleaned information about home products and services, home builders, and financial, insurance and retirement firms. There were also vendors offering information about health, wellness, and arts and crafts products. Sponsors included the Cape Gazette, Delaware Beach Book, Delaware Beach Life, Sussex County Women’s Journal, A.
Dewey celebrates Fourth of July
North Beach bartender Stephanie Pilichowski serves up tasty libations on the Fourth. Bottle & Cork staff members serving patriotic-colored drinks are (l-r) Adrianna Rooks, Destiny Kusen and Devyn Eddy. Hostesses Ruxy Mareoara, left, and Jordyn Feldman greet the July 4 vacationers to Jimmy’s Grille. Dewey lifetime resident Kris Vavala shows off her patriotic outfit.
Eurotunnel At 30: Driving Innovation For Kent’s European Road Freight
As the Folkestone-Calais Eurotunnel celebrates its 30th anniversary, one of its largest commercial users is marking 2,600 journeys through the tunnel every month – more than 30,000 annually. Europa Road, the Kent-based European road freight division of Europa Worldwide Group, was one of the very first transport companies to establish express services into mainland Europe, and started using, LeShuttle Freight service, shortly after it opened in 1994.
New Service Launches For Businesses Trading With The Republic Of Ireland
The Office for National Statistics estimates that British exports of goods to the Republic of Ireland amounted to . To support this trading relationship, European road freight expert Europa Road is extending its unique Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) service, Europa Flow, on all daily routes between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
Health-Fitness & Leisure Expo draws big crowd
The sixth annual Health-Fitness & Leisure Expo took over the Cape Henlopen High School cafeteria March 9 to present more than 90 of the top health, wellness, fitness, leisure, and home products and services vendors in the resort area. The event was presented by Kathy Benson and Delaware Resorts Expos. More than 1,600 visitors enjoyed the event. Beebe Healthcare, the lead sponsor, offered free health screenings of blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index and bone density.
British Businesses Benefiting From A Return To Pre-Brexit Transit Times
On the fourth anniversary of Britain’s departure from the European Union (31st January) Dartford headquartered road freight operator Europa Road has successfully returned to offering guaranteed pre-Brexit delivery times across Europe. Europa Road is the European road freight division of pioneering independent operator Europa Worldwide Group.
Lewes Polar Bear Plunge makes a splash for Special Olympics
The 33rd Lewes Polar bear Plunge brought out a record 4,388 Polar Bears in Rehoboth Beach Feb. 4, and raised a historical $1.5 million for the Special Olympics of Delaware. Participants take a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean at the annual fundraiser, which helps SODE provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Timely New Partnership With Swiss Partner
Dartford Headquartered Europa Road is kicking off 2024 by boosting its service for customers looking to transit goods to and from Switzerland, a country showing significant growth in trade with the UK. In November 2023, the Department for Business and Trade reported a 40 per cent increase in trade of goods between the UK and Switzerland in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
Measuring the Diffusion Coefficient of Paste and Concrete by Using Dental X-ray Equipment
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon. Open AccessArticle by Amir Behravan 1,2,*, M.
Editor’s Page: A Few Final Thoughts
This page is often the hardest to fill. I typically save it for last, writing it to wrap up the issue before sending the final proofs to the printer. I’m often up late the night before deadline day trying to formulate my thoughts and convey them coherently. That’s probably not best practice, but the busyness of the month prevents me from carving out the time needed to give these words the attention they deserve. This month’s page is proving to be the most difficult to write because it’s my last one.
The Cost Of Consolidation: Are Mergers Actually Cost Efficient?
By Dan Cook, Benefits Pro The state’s elected officials enacted a bill designed to accomplish two goals: preserving Oregon’s status as a safe haven for abortions, and making it tougher for large health systems to gobble up providers across the state. The law prohibits merger partners from restricting access to any services available to consumers pre-merger. Providence Health Systems was the apparent target of the measure.
Health care consumers plagued by inaccurate procedure estimates
(Photo: Shutterstock) U.S. health care consumers continue to struggle paying for medical care, even when they have received a cost estimate for a procedure in advance. Oftentimes, that estimate is either unexpectedly high, or flat-out inaccurate. And generally, the estimates are inaccurate on the low side. A survey of nearly 2,500 U.S. health care consumers by PYMNTS.com offered more proof that this remains a barrier to consumer trust of the health care system.
White males report highest levels of health care security – again | BenefitsPRO
Credit: michaeljung/Shutterstock.com For a decade and a half, true health coverage for all has been a national objective in the U.S. Yet affordable health insurance that people can actually use to maintain or improve their health remains primarily a white male reality. A recent report on Americans and health insurance from the Kaiser Family Foundation confirms that this is still the case in the U.S.
Fewer but larger, healthcare mergers reported in second quarter of 2022
(Photo: Shutterstock) Merger activity among health systems in the second quarter of 2022 followed a pattern set a year ago: the number of mergers declined compared to 2016 and 2017, but the overall value of the merger partners continued to skyrocket. That’s what a recent report from KaufmanHall, the healthcare consulting firm, tells us about the ongoing consolidation of health systems. Merger mania was interrupted and redefined by COVID-19.
Push for brokers to make mental health services accessible
(Photo: Shutterstock) Benefits brokers, take notice: If you can offer a benefits package that includes a robust mental health component, human resources managers want to talk to you. That’s one of the takeaways from a recent study by Uprise Health. The company, which provides digitally-enabled EAP and mental health resources for employers, wanted to find out if employees were being connected with mental health services through their plans.
Emergency department visit cash fees exploited by large health systems
The hospital price transparency requirements that went into effect in 2021 are beginning to get results as more researchers analyze the data for specific information. A recent study from the University of Maryland illustrates how the law affords insight into how hospitals set fees for various services. The study, “Hospital and Regional Characteristics Associated with Emergency Department Facility Fee Cash Pricing,” by Morgan A. Henderson and Morgane C.
Innovations in Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacements can be difficult to perform, especially when anatomical deformities in the joint and missing bone in the scapula increase the complexity of placing the implant as accurately as possible. Surgeons often adapt on the fly by adjusting the size, position or orientation of the implant or by using grafts to buttress native bone, but emerging technologies are taking some of the guesswork and challenge out of achieving optimal outcomes.
HR looking to brokers to expand access to mental health services
Benefits brokers, take notice: If you can offer a benefits package that includes a robust mental health component, human resources managers and employers want to talk to you. That’s one of the takeaways from a recent study by Uprise Health. The company, which provides digitally-enabled EAP and mental health resources for employers, wanted to find out if employees were being connected with mental health services through their plans.
White House scrambles to preserve right to covered contraceptives
Now that Roe v. Wade has been undone, Justice Clarence Thomas wants to revisit outlawing contraception altogether. This one-two punch to the gut of personal choice set off screeching alarm bells in the White House. One of President Biden’s first post-Roe actions was to convene a meeting between insurers and two of his cabinet members to underscore the need to preserve insurance coverage for contraceptives.
ACA’s benefits for low-income insured fell short of key goals
People with low incomes have benefited in key ways from the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion, but without further federal and state health care policy revisions, millions of U.S. citizens will not receive the medical attention they need to truly improve their health. That’s the conclusion of a recent study directed by David Levine, M.D. with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Dance to a new tune: transparency laws usher in new era
As promised, the federal government began levying fines against hospital systems this month for failure to comply with new laws requiring them to publicly release their internal dates on the rates they charge for medical procedures. But with inflation racing at levels unseen for decades, hospital executives are already claiming their data is out of date. Their costs for everything from new equipment to cafeteria fare are increasing.
Injuries plaguing Twins, MLB
“When it rains, it pours,” is a very old and well-worn cliche. Perhaps it puts you in mind of the deluge of rain and hail that forced Wednesday night’s game with Houston to be suspended and then finished on Thursday. But Twins fans can be forgiven if it also puts them in mind of the seemingly endless march to the Injured List by key members of the Minnesota Roster.
2022 Broker of the Year finalist: Ami Shah
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO. More from this author
2022 Broker of the Year finalist: Braden Monaco
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO. More from this author
2022 Broker of the Year finalist: Kim Eckelbarger
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO. More from this author
State health care reform efforts vary, but gaining momentum overall
Better late than never, state legislatures are now moving to review proposed mergers to determine the mergers’ effects on health care spending, access, and quality. (Image: Chris Nicholls) More states are taking an active role in addressing the factors that can artificially skew the cost and effectiveness of employee benefits packages.
5 factors that can make or break health care spending in 2022
Employers can take specific actions to address individual cost centers, such as adding services to support those with chronic diseases so they take their medications as prescribed. In 2022, challenges will continue to mount for plan sponsors and their advisors as they battle to keep costs under control without gutting benefits.
Zeroing in on Perfect Vision
Cataract surgery outcomes are consistently good, but are they good enough to guarantee? They are if Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, is manning the microscope. In the rare instance one of his patients isn’t happy with how well they see after surgery, he covers the cost of LASIK to make them plano.
The disappearing primary care practice
The trend toward consolidation already accelerating when COVID placed even more strain on private practices. Now, clinic managers are rushing into the open arms beckoning them inside. When direct primary care provider (DPC) Everside Health in Denver signed an agreement in mid-July to acquire Pennsylvania-based DPC provider R-Health, anyone hoping for an expanded DPC presence in the U.S. took notice.
Former Cigna exec says employers have the power to change health care coverage
After 15 years with Cigna, Wendell Potter abruptly resigned with no job to hop to. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy. Wendell Potter sleeps better at night ever since he quit his job as an insurance company spokesperson and struck out on his own as a critic of his former industry. Born and raised in Tennessee, Potter’s first career was as a journalist for major media companies. He gravitated to public relations, eventually taking a public relations job with Humana.
2021 Broker of the Year finalist: Megan Zimmerman
After a several-year stint working with on-site and near-site clinics, Megan Zimmerman was ready to move into the role she was born to play: health plan designer. (Photo: Paulius Musteikis) The 2021 Broker of the Year will be announced at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, August 16-18 in San Diego. The winner will be further profiled in our September issue.
2021 Broker of the Year finalist: Mike Hill
Tired of doing the “same old, same old,” Mike Hill decided to follow his passion of working with entrepreneurs, with clients who wanted something more. (Photo: Rusty Malkemes) The 2021 Broker of the Year will be announced at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, August 16-18 in San Diego. The winner will be further profiled in our September issue. Michael Hill grew up with a passion for sailing. So strong was his love of the water that he attempted to become a professional, competitive sailor in his 20s.
2021 Broker of the Year finalist: Tom DiLiegro
Tom DiLeigro resisted his calling to the benefits industry until his eyes were opened to a new breed of broker-advisor that preached greater benefits for employees at a lower cost for employers. (Photo: Kevin Garrett) The 2021 Broker of the Year will be announced at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, August 16-18 in San Diego. The winner will be further profiled in our September issue. The inspiration for Tom DiLiegro’s ultimate career choice lay hidden in his heart for years.
Health care at home: Patients want it, COVID boosted it, and it works | BenefitsPRO
Insurers are increasingly paying for home health services as they see its cost-effectiveness in improving patient health, and reducing emergency room trips and hospital readmissions. (Graphic by Chris Nicholls) The patient lived way back in the hills to the west of Portland, OR. The primary care physician, a nurse practitioner, wound around the back roads, nosed her car up the shrub-lined drive to the low-slung home, and parked.
Marketplace enrollment up 5% for 2021
Enrollment showed its first uptick during the Trump administration, but still fell short of the 12.7 million who chose marketplace insurance in 2016. (Photo: Shutterstock) As expected, marketplace health insurance enrollment jumped significantly from the 2020 enrollment period to the 2021 period. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said enrollment increased about 5% over 2020.
Hospital price transparency compliance: How's it going?
A Milliman analysis showed that almost seven of 10 that posted had included a file in all three categories of its criteria. Requiring hospitals to reveal more details about their pricing structures and strategies was one of the Trump Administration’s signature healthcare accomplishments. In January, the final rules around this price transparency quest took effect.
Investors, broker-advisors driving innovation in self-funded plans
With the rise (and increasing sophistication) of the broker advisor–the most direct pipeline to a plan sponsor–suddenly the health care entrepreneurs have an attentive audience. An alignment of interests is gathering speed, with self-insured employer plans as the focus. After years of searching for ways to tap into the lucrative employer-sponsored market, health care product and service entrepreneurs may at last have found a smoother path forward. That path is still narrow and winding.
Digitalizing benefits packages creates a world of opportunity
Is your benefit plan design ready to go full-digital? (Image: Chris Nicholls) Many digital health players saw demand skyrocket in 2020. While a large number of benefits packages already included these tools and products among their options, COVID brought them to the forefront, as plan members delved more deeply into their benefits, looking for virtual health care options.
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