Independence Blue Cross Chief Strategy Office and Executive Vice President of Health Services Dr Steven Udvarhelyi can see the future. With prices for medical treatments to the average American, who does not qualify for Obamacare, up 150% something must be done.. Udvarhelyi says reining in costs is his number one priority. “I think most people look at the price tag for health care with shock and awe. We need to change that”.

Uvarhelyi will be explaining how he plans to accomplish that goal on June 17, 2015 at noon when he speaks to JBN members and guests. The luncheon presentation will take place at Independence Blue Cross, located at 1901 Market Street in Philadelphia.

Udvarhelyi and his team unveiled a new program this week, where 8 of the area’s largest corporations will be working together to devise creative solutions. They are calling it the Health Care Innovation Collaborative and its members represent a who’s who in Philadelphia: Comcast, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, CHOP, Drexel, Safeguard Scientifics, Jefferson Health, UPenn Health and of course IBC.

The collaborative hopes to attract public and private capital which in turn will result in job opportunities for skilled talent. The group will identify common needs, investigate possible health care solutions and assist early stage companies realize their potential.

Udvarhelyi believes that health care providers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and hospitals must rethink the way they do business going forward. Udvarhelyi insists it has nothing to do with the Affordable Health Care Act and everything to do with dollars and sense, “It is costing the middle class 30% of their gross income to pay for health care, and that just isn’t right” said Udvarhelyi.

For more information or to sign up visit www.jbnphilly.org.