Data is the ultimate currency

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Health companies come and go, while patient data remains as the intellectual property carrot that always has a buyer

A few years ago, a week wouldn’t pass without news about a new health-related startup or company. Some of the ones that tempted me as a consumer include Forward Health and 23 and Me. These organizations presented themselves as promising and well-funded.

In 2025, both Forward and 23 and Me are dismantling their companies. When these companies close up shop, they’re not only shutting down, they’re also carving up and selling assets. Assets include equipment, furniture, and intellectual property (such as customer data). Customer health data is an attractive tidbit for any organization to purchase. Is there even a process that organizations use to inform customers of these data sales? Does transparency exist letting customers know who truly owns their data and where it ends up? Read the article below to learn more, and get clarity on these questions for your own data.

Another side of Caregiving across the country is . . .variable

In the last edition of Care Fully, I shared The State of Family Caregiving Report. It is compiled by Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health and sponsored by Otsuka Pharma. Caregiving demands are outpacing availability of supports. The report data, including the map below, make it clear our nation is reaching a tipping point when it comes to caregiving supports.

Very few states have mechanisms to fully assist caregivers. Failure points happen across the caregiving journey. Here’s an example: “Only 20% of states have policies that exceed the Family and Medical Leave Act requirements, and less than one-quarter provide state-based protections for Medicaid beneficiaries’ spouses.”

This report and its data shed light on caregiver impacts. It discusses what could happen when there is a lack of consistency in support within and even across states. Caregivers should be aware of this information as we navigate these waters.

My friend and podcast co-host Megan is holding nurse coaching sessions. Visit the Instagram post below for details.

wholecaregiver

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In the news. . .

• What happens when disability care ends?

• Kids might find themselves in the role of caregiver with funding cuts.

• If you live in NY, this Emergency Preparedness session is for you.

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Erna