Green meets Frugal

Once in a while, carriers do "get it." That is, they change their SOP to include issues that go beyond just "the bottom line." For example, we've been critical of United Healthcare any number of times, and justifiably so, but when they get it right, we should take notice of that, as well:

"UnitedHealth Group Inc. has cut patient fees as much as 90 percent for an asthma inhaler made by Sepracor Inc. that doesn’t use a banned air pollutant."

Turns out that Sepracor’s Xopenex inhaler is CFC-free, and is apparently just as effective as its CFC-prone competitors. By giving its insureds a specific, easily understood (and substantial) discount, UHC is encouraging a more enviro-friendly medical care model. Kudos!