Celebrating 80: Kenneth Barnhart shares why he’s a member

High-quality, affordable care

Patients come first, not profits

Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health plan. And I think, because it’s nonprofit, it can afford to invest in its facilities and in its staff.

It can do things that aren’t possible in a private, for-profit, stockholder-driven medical plan. I think that contributes to the class of the doctors and facilities.

And Kaiser Permanente isn’t just treating patients. It’s also doing research on how to treat patients better.

I spoke to someone doing research many years ago, and I was impressed. I don’t think many for-profits take the time to do research.

Care that fits your life goals

I’ve been very, very pleased with the way I’ve been treated. I’ve had great experiences.

Kaiser Permanente has a very cooperative, collaborative way of doing things.

My doctors gave me good advice to lose a little weight. They said to manage my food a little better.

The advice encouraged me to find a workout class that I take 3 days a week, and I walk a mile or 2 every day. I’m doing pretty well.

I want to be able to do the things that I’ve always done for as long as possible.

Care teams that help you move forward

I had a panic attack around 2000. I was under a lot of stress at work. In the emergency room, they gave me medication that helped.

Then, I talked with my doctor, who enrolled me in a stress-reduction class. I learned techniques for positive self-talk instead of negative self-talk.

There are different ways of looking at things. You can think positively. You get to choose.

The class came with a guide to managing your mental health, and I still have it. I don’t need it, but I have it. That kind of a resource was pretty amazing. I haven’t had an anxiety attack in more than 20 years.

If you’re with Kaiser Permanente, you’re getting the best care there is.

You’re getting first-class care.