Independence Health Group CEO Daniel J. Hilferty joined co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski today on a special edition of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” about the COVID-19 pandemic. The hour-long show, Isolation Nation, included a panel discussion with Hilferty and several prominent medical experts.
Hilferty talked about health insurance options for people who may be struggling to pay their premiums or who have recently lost their jobs. These include Medicaid plans or individual subsidized plans through the Affordable Care Act.
Hilferty also spoke about the need for increased attention to mental health resources for those who may be struggling to cope with the stress and anxiety surrounding COVID-19. “We need to break down the stigma around reaching out for help, and make sure there’s full integration of mental and physical health,” said Hilferty. “How can you have a body that’s whole and healthy if you have a broken spirit or mind?”
Hilferty highlighted a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Health of America report on millennial health. The report found that millennials were more adversely impacted by behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
Isolation Nation included a pre-recorded interview with Lady Gaga, who also spoke about mental health.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXtFFrySbc&w=560&h=315]