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healthpolicymaven · 1 year

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U.S. Healthcare Outcomes and State Initiatives to Lower Costs

Due to federal failure to enact meaningful healthcare reforms, this article reviews states that are making a difference. Three states which have taken steps to control the cost of healthcare without adversely impacting patient outcomes are Maryland, Montana, and Oregon and this article reviews what they have done. But before we get to that let’s review the current status of U.S. healthcare outcomes.

Washington State’s 2022 report on evidence-based methods to control costs, increase equity, and improve industry transparency and regulation stated three truths that should shock the nation, if voters were only aware. Globally, U.S. healthcare continues to be the most expensive healthcare but health quality metrics continually show the results are not worth it. In 2019, the U.S. spent 16.8% of all gross national product (GNP) on healthcare. Norway, the top scoring nation for health outcomes spent 10.5%. How much longer are the American people going to have to listen to how more expensive their health care will be in a national healthcare system-clearly this is not the case. Here are the Commonwealth Funds 2021 findings for the latest metrics on global healthcare outcomes compared to the rest of industrialized nations: (Eric C. Schneider, 2021)

1. U.S. ranks last in healthcare outcomes (we spend 60% more on healthcare than Norway, the top nation for outcomes)

2. Highest infant mortality

3. Lowest life expectancy

4. Lowest rate of reduction in avoidable deaths (which is what healthcare is supposed to do)

5. Last on access to care

6. Last in administrative efficiency

7. Last in health equity

8. Second on measures of care process (we are tracking it all as the outcomes decline)

The Commonwealth Fund has for years done an excellent job of finding methods to compare different healthcare systems and this latest report reviewed 71 measures for 2019 to arrive at its conclusions. Nations reviewed were: U.S., Switzerland, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, Norway, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand. Here are the metrics reviewed:

Cost-U.S. Healthcare is 50% more expensive than other industrialized nations

Gross domestic product, which is essentially a measure of all goods services produced over a specific period of time for the country is a measure of wealth and how much of that wealth is spent on things, such as housing, education, and healthcare. It is one measure to assess a cost comparison for health systems which has been widely used. New Zealand spent the least on its healthcare, at 9.1% and one could argue that is a tiny nation and not comparable to the complexity of the U.S., but Australia, also spent 9.4%. For nations with larger populations, France spent 11.1% of its GNP on healthcare and Germany spent 11.7%.

Infant Mortality-U.S. Deaths are 1.7 times higher than other industrialized nations

Infant mortality is a measure of babies who die and is a direct reflection on maternal child healthcare and access to care. In this forlorn measure, the U.S. has 5.7 deaths per infant birth, compared to the other nations, which ranged from 3.3 deaths per 1,000 infant births for wealthy Switzerland. All of the other European nations in the study had infant deaths less than 4 per 1,000 births.

Maternal Mortality-U.S. deaths are 5 times higher than other industrialized nations

The U.S. also has an abysmal maternal mortality rate, which is going to increase with the latest century rollback of women’s health in many states, which seek to outlaw termination of pregnancy for any reason. To be clear there were 17.4 American women who died as a result of childbirth per 100,00. This is more than twice the rate of France, which loses only 3.2 women. Even if you are math impaired that is five times the number of women who die from childbirth in the USA. Expect more to perish from ectopic pregnancies, hemorrhaging (bleeding out), cardiac conditions, and other preventable causes. In 2020, 24 women died from childbirth in the United States.

In 2021, 32 women out of 100,000 died from childbirth, an astounding increase of 25% in preventable deaths. The Centers for Disease Control 2022 analysis found that 4 out of 5 pregnancy related deaths are preventable-80%. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022) This is an appalling statistic! The U.S. is ranked 55th for maternal mortality-a metric that clearly shows how little our females are valued. U.S. legislators would rather a women die as a result of childbirth than alter a pregnancy. Current maternal mortality in the U.S. is equivalent to many less developed countries including: Mexico, Egypt, and much worse than Cuba (which has a national healthcare system). (Ritchie, 2023) While evaluating healthcare outcomes for women more than a decade ago I was astounded to learn of the disparities in maternal mortality and the high rate of deaths for pregnant women in Washington D.C. is seared into my mind.[1] Seemingly people don’t want to believe how bad things are for pregnant women in the U.S. or they don’t care. It feels like people are looking away as they do for all of the people living in tents in every U.S. city.

Life Expectancy-Americans pay more for their healthcare and don’t live as long

The Commonwealth metrics uses the number of years attained on average by nation as the measure of life expectancy. All of the top nations had average life expectancies beyond age 80, but Americans (83.1 years) can expect to live 2.5 years less than the rest. And only in the U.S. are there sharp differences based on race, mortality for black (74.9 years) and American Indian (73 years) populations are much worse than the average.

Reduction of Avoidable Deaths-U.S. ranks the worst

The Commonwealth Fund 2021 Report on global health outcomes reviewed the reduction of avoidable deaths and Switzerland reduced avoidable deaths 25% five times the U.S. rate, which was only 5%. The next worst performer in this group of 11 nations was Germany which still reduced deaths by 13% This is another metric where the residents of the U.S. who are gouged and underserved for health care should be electing officials who are going to take action. Leaving it to the marketplace isn’t working.

Administrative Efficiency-U.S. ranks the worst

Anyone who has had to obtain healthcare in the United States knows what a nightmare it is to find affordable insurance, obtain a clinician whom is accepting new patients, and choke down the copayments and excluded charges from anesthesiologists, labs, and other out-of-network care thrust upon you.

We know what we must do to improve healthcare outcomes:

1. Provide universal coverage to remove cost barriers to obtain health care-stop gearing health care investments just for wealthy suburbs

2. Invest in primary health care systems-not money makers for huge hospital corporations

3. Reduce administrative burdens on patients and clinicians-integrated health systems work best

4. Invest in social services-nutrition, education, childcare, safety, housing, transportation

State Actions to Control Healthcare Costs

Capitation-fixing fees

Maryland enacted a regulatory body to control hospital costs in an all-payor-model and all hospitals must participate. Maryland received a CMS waiver to use this model instead of the DRG system adopted by most other states, which is highly inflationary. The agency reviews hospital rates and has the ultimate authority on approval of changes. This governing authority has not resulted in hospital closures or patient care, but it has produced the lowest hospital prices in the country. This model is a capitation model which has worked for Maryland which was launched in 2014.

Linking fees to a multiple of Medicare Rates

Montana, through the leadership of Marilyn Bartlett pegged state employee healthcare costs to a percentage of Medicare rates and saved the state thirty million dollars. Even the Republicans in Montana appreciate a taxpayer savings. Barlett had to fight the deep pockets of the healthcare industry, to enact this contract provision, but she won. Prior to her administration, hospitals were charging the Montana State Employees Plan five times the Medicare rates. Barlett, a CPA, has taken her leadership skills on the road advising states and business coalitions on methods to control costs. (Walker, 2021)

Payment caps and Reference based pricing

Oregon caps state employee health plan payments for 24 of its 62 hospitals, because of differing needs of rural hospitals, critical access hospitals (urban trauma centers), and hospitals that served 40% or more of Medicaid patients (low income). Oregon also plans to limit cost increases to 3.4% per member per year. (Rakotoniaina, 2021)

Washington’s report concludes with four recommendations to reduce the costs of healthcare including: targeted price growth regulation, expanded transparency and cost-growth benchmarks, strengthened anti-trust enforcement and consumer protection, and improved drug affordability. At least, on the latter, the federal government did finally come out with some affordable insulin mandates. But what really needs to happen is for the government to be restored to the people, by overturning the Citizens United ruling allowing corporations to buy elections. Given the current makeup of the Supreme Court, who seem intent on settling their own scores versus representing the will of the people. This seems unlikely, given the lifetime appointments. However, administrative action to remove court members from hearing cases is valid does not mean they have to hear cases, it’s time to bring in the back bench of the federal courts.

And this is the healthpolicymaven signing off encouraging you not to sign blanket releases when obtaining medical care, do stipulate that for which you agree and for which you decline. For example, if your hospital refuses to recognize your medical directive, find another one for your procedure.

Roberta Winter is an independent health policy analyst and journalist, who has published this blog since 2007. In 2013 her guidebook to the U.S. healthcare system was published by Rowman and Littlefield.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 19). Four in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0919-pregnancy-related-deaths.html

Eric C. Schneider, A. S. (2021). Mirror Mirror 2021; Healthcare in the U.S. Compared to Other High Income Countries. The Commonwealth Fund. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2021/aug/mirror-mirror-2021-reflecting-poorly

Rakotoniaina, A. (2021, August 31). How Oregon is Limiting Hospital Payments and Cost Growth for State Employee Health Plans. Retrieved from National Academy For State Health Policy: https://nashp.org/how-oregon-is-limiting-hospital-payments-and-cost-growth-for-state-employee-health-plans/

Ritchie, M. R. (2023, May 9). Maternal Deaths By Country. Retrieved from Ourworldindata.org: https://ourworldindata.org/maternal-mortality#maternal-deaths-by-country

Walker, D. G. (2021, February 18). Montanas Health Policy MVP Takes Her Playbook on the Road. Retrieved from Kaiser Family Foundation Health News: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/montanas-health-policy-mvp-takes-her-playbook-on-the-road/

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Unraveling-U-S-Health-Care-Personal/dp/1442222972

#US healthcare measures #global comparison #state actions to improve results and cut costs

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agustdakasuga · 11 months

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The Way Of A Criminal: Chapter 4

Genre: Mafia!AU, Criminal!AU, Angst, Romance

Pairing: OT7 x Reader

Characters: Normal!Reader, Gangster!Namjoon, Gangster!Seokjin, Gangster!Yoongi, Gangster!Hoseok, Gangster!Jimin, Gangster!Taehyung, Gangster!Jungkook

Summary: Your father was a stranger, you never knew who he was and what he did. But one day, someone knocks on your door, informing you of his passing. Now, you learn more about him, his life and the legacy you are expected to continue with the help of his 7 executives.

Story warning(s): This story will contain depictions of violence, blood shed/gore, death, mentions of abuse, smoking, alcohol drinking and gambling. This story is fictional and has nothing to do with real life events or the actual members of BTS. Please read at your own discretion.

Instead of dealing with all this head on, you avoided it. You put everything aside and went on with life, spending all your time doing work, studying and doing your university projects.

Wonwoo noticed this and decided to invite you for a night out. Just a chill night with some drinks. Usually, you would decline, which is why Wonwoo has never invited you out. But you could use the distraction. Maybe being out of the house was good.

DING DONG

“Coming!” You ran down, fixing your earring. You didn’t really know how to dress for a night out like this so you picked a random dress. It was a dark blue, crushed velvet cocktail dress.

“Come on in.” You opened the door for him. Wonwoo smiled, bowing before removing his shoes to come in.

“This dress isn’t really motorcycle friendly, is it?” You let out an awkward laugh, going into the kitchen to get your phone that you left there to charge.

“I didn’t ride my bike since we might drink. I’ll call a cab.” Wonwoo said. He just stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do since it was the first time he was in your house.

“(y/n)?” Wonwoo suddenly called your name, stopping you in your tracks.

“You look great.” He smiled softly.

“Oh... Thank you.” You felt your cheeks heat up at his sudden compliment. He held out a hand to support you as you wore your shoes. After locking up the house, he escorted you to the cab that was waiting for you. And of course, Wonwoo opened the door for you to get in first, being the gentleman that he is. The car ride was silent.

“C-Can I ask you something?” Wonwoo threaded lightly. You hummed, nodding your head.

“I know you like your privacy and I shouldn’t pry but there were this rumours and pictures floating around about some expensive sports car and handsome guy picking you up. Is he one of them?” He asked nervously.

“If by ‘one of them’, you mean my father’s... employees. Yes, he is... or was. There are 7 of them.” You rubbed the back of your neck.

“Are they bothering you?”

“Can we not talk about this anymore? I just don’t want to have to think about it for a few minutes.” That came out a lot harsher and colder than you expected. But Wonwoo didn’t react.

“Sorry. I’m...” You sighed, not really knowing how to piece your words together anymore.

“I understand. Don’t worry about it. I didn’t mean to pry.” Wonwoo smiled comfortingly. Thankfully for you, the cab stopped outside the club. You looked at the long line outside that didn’t seem to be moving,

“Don’t look so worried. My friend put our name on the list so we can just walk in.” Wonwoo laughed. You both got out and he grasped your hand, giving your names to the bouncer. You were so stunned by his action that you just followed him without a word, letting him lead you.

“There’s a table there.” Wonwoo said in your ear on top of the loud music. You were still shocked that he was holding your hand that you just followed him.

“Phew, it’s crowded.” You said, casually pulling your hand away to check if you dropped anything from your bag.

“Yeah, that’s what you get for being here on a Friday night.” He chuckled. You stood at the table while Wonwoo went to get drinks at the bar. The standing table was thankfully at the side of the bar, which meant less people.

“Relax, you’re here to have fun.” You told yourself.

“Here.” Wonwoo got himself a beer and got you a cocktail. It was a nice refreshing drink with flavoured soju as the alcohol.

“Let me know how much everything is tonight and we’ll split the cost.” You told him as you took a sip.

“It’s okay, (y/n). It’s my treat, just enjoy yourself.” Wonwoo smiled. He clinked his glass with yours. Although this wasn’t your exact idea of relaxing, you were glad that the noise and the crowd made the place too loud that you didn’t need to start sharing your feelings. Wonwoo was a good friend but you just weren’t used to sharing so much about yourself with others.

After some drinks, you excused yourself to go to the toilet. But of course, there was a line. About 15 minutes went by without the line moving. You were about to give up when someone grabbed your wrist.

“(y/n) sshi?” You looked at the familiar face.

“Oh... Uh...”

“Yoongi.” He said, letting you go. You nodded your head. Other people in the line now had their attention on you and Yoongi.

“Come.” He nodded over to follow him. You didn’t know why you just went along, not even asking why he wanted you to go with him. You came before a staircase with two guards. But they parted ways upon seeing Yoongi.

“Sir.” They bowed respectfully as Yoongi cooly walked up, hands tucked into his pockets. You quickly bowed your heads back to the guards and caught up to Yoongi.

“You can use this bathroom instead. It’s cleaner and safer.” Yoongi stopped before a door.

“A-Are you sure?”

“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have went down to fish you out of the crowd. Take all the time you need. This is our own private bathroom so no one else is allowed to use it.” He explained. You nodded, bowing gratefully to him before entering the restroom.

The bathroom was a lot more opulent and grand, with black granite and gold trims. Like Yoongi said, it was very clean, unlike a usual club bathroom. It was definitely a boys bathroom with urinals but you just used one of the stalls.

“Hyung, why can’t I use the bathroom? I really need to go!” You heard voices outside as you were washing your hands.

“Only the 7 of us use it anyway. Unless... Do you have a secret guest in there?!” The person talking to Yoongi gasped as if he just uncovered something scandalous.

“Watch your mouth.” You heard Yoongi threaten.

“Sorry, I’m done.” You opened the door. But you didn’t expect Yoongi to be standing so close that you ended up bumping into his back.

“Oh, no wonder hyung was guarding the bathroom.” The male said. He didn’t mind you and just brushed past to use the bathroom. Yoongi moved you away from the bathroom door, not wanting you to accidentally get hit.

“Thank you. Is it okay if I just stay here for a few more minutes? You can go back to what you were doing before.” You asked timidly. Yoongi took one look at you and nodded. You didn’t need to tell him anything for him to know what you were thinking. The club was getting overwhelming. Yoongi never really liked coming too unless his brothers make him.

“Why did you come if you don’t like it?”

“A friend brought me here as a distraction. Plus, I’ve never really come to a club before.” You replied. Yoongi nodded his head.

“You don’t need to stay and accompany me. I’ll go back down in a bit.” You said.

“It’s okay.” He leaned against the opposite wall. You took your phone out to send Wonwoo a text, assuring him that you were safe and that he could go home first. But you didn’t tell him where you were and who you were with.

“Actually... I wanted to apologise. My brothers told me I shouldn’t have offered you a smoke the other time. I just thought it would help.” Yoongi looked at you.

“It’s fine. I honestly didn’t think too much about it. There were other things to think about.” You shook your head.

“Understandable. I’m sure you have your fair share of confusion and questions that come along with it. This is just the start.” Yoongi said. You didn’t let his straightforward tone faze you, nodding your head glumly.

“Well, I should go. Thanks for letting me hang here.” You straightened up.

“No worries. I’ll walk you down.” Yoongi followed suit. You walked behind him, not sure of the way to the exit. With your insistence, Wonwoo had gone home on his own. You did feel bad for abandoning him when he was the one that invited you out but you also didn’t want him to wait.

“Do you have a ride home?” Yoongi asked.

“I told my friend to go home first so I guess I can get a cab home.” You waved him off, getting your phone out. But Yoongi stopped you, his hand grasping your phone and covering the screen.

“It’s not safe and cheap to get a cab from here at this time. I drank a little so I shouldn’t drive. Hang on.” Yoongi waved over one of the bouncers.

“Use the company car and send her home then report back.” Yoongi ordered.

“Yoongi sshi, it’s really okay.”

“Get the address from her and make sure you see her entering the house before coming back.” Yoongi ignored you. The bouncer nodded and bowed, running off the get the car.

“(y/n) sshi, hyung.” You both turned to see Taehyung jogging over. He had a big, square-ish grin as he waved.

“Jimin said you were here and that Yoongi hyung was with you. Are you driving her home, hyung?” Taehyung tilted his head.

“I drank. So was gonna get one of the workers to drive her back.” Yoongi explained, standing back as he lit a cigarette to smoke. Taehyung nodded his head.

“I’ll drive you home. I didn’t drink since I am the designated driver tonight. Bring my car instead.” Taehyung called out. The worker bowed and ran back into the club. Yoongi decided to go in first after his cigarette was done, not liking being out in the cold. He shot you a nod while you bowed gratefully to him. While waiting, Taehyung put his jacket over your shoulders.

“Did you come alone?” Taehyung asked.

“No... I came with a friend but I abandoned him. Yoongi sshi was kind enough to let me hang out in the quiet area. So I told my friend to go home first.” You said. You didn’t know why you were explaining so much to him.

“This isn’t you scene, is it?” He teased. You pursed your lips and shook your head. The noise and the crowd just wasn’t comfortable.

“Sir.” The car stopped right in front of you. The worker came out, bowing and passing Taehyung’s keys to him.

“Here you go. Watch your head.” Taehyung opened the car door for you to enter. You sat inside, keeping the sides of his jacket close to you so it wouldn’t get caught in the door.

Taehyung confirmed your address before starting to drive. One hand held his head, elbow resting on the door next to him while the other hand was on the steering wheel. During the quiet ride, you fiddled with the hem of the dress, pulling it down every now and then.

“Are you cold?” He asked.

“No, I’m good. Thank you.” You replied softly. With your head leaning against the headrest, you looked out the window. The only reason you would be out this late usually was because you were working.

“Thanks for dropping me off again.” You said as Taehyung pulled up outside of your house.

“Any time.” Taehyung smiled. You unbluckled your seatbelt and got out of the car. But before you could walk further, Taehyung rolled down the window.

“Goodnight, (y/n)!”

“G-Goodnight, Taehyung sshi.” A small smile formed on your lips as you bowed your head and entered the house. Like the other day, Taehyung only drove off after he was sure you had entered the house.

Only after you entered the house and you heard Taehyung drive off, that you realised you had forgotten the return him his jacket. You removed it carefully, as if any movement would cause it to tear like tissue. You inspected it, trying to figure out if you should wash it on your own, and risk ruining the expensive material, or just send it for dry cleaning.

“Hi, Wonwoo. Did you make it home safe?”

“Oh, (y/n). Yes, I am home. I went home after you sent me that text. Are you alright? You scared me.”

“Yes, I am alright. I just found a quiet space to chill for a while so I didn’t want you to wait for me. I just got home. Sorry for ruining the night. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” You said, putting your shoes away.

“Don’t say that, (y/n). I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy yourself.”

“I did enjoy myself, Wonwoo. Thank you for bringing me out to feel better.” You laughed. After wishing each other good night, you hung up.

You took a shower and was feeling peckish so you made yourself some ramyeon. There was always ramyeon in the kitchen for when you or your mother needed a late night snack after working.

“I’ll have to drop the jacket off at the dry cleaners tomorrow.” You groaned tiredly, looking at the blazer that rested over the back of the chair.

Hoseok was one of the first ones to wake up. After a day of working and a night of drinking, the boys all usually slept in during the weekends. The moment his foot touched the bottom of the stairs, a maid ran over to him, bowing her head in fear.

“What is it?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Your workers are here, sir. They said that it is important for you to see them immediately.” She relayed timidly, afraid of making him angry.

“Send them in. And get my breakfast.” Hoseok shooed her away before shuffling to the dining room. Like any other normal person, he didn’t like having to work on the weekends.

“Good morning, Boss.” The 3 men put the crate that they were carrying down and bowed to Hoseok.

“This better be important for you to be here on a Saturday morning.” Hoseok said, not even looking up at them. He was more focused on the tray of food that the butler had placed down in front of him.

“The shipment is here early. We thought you would want to check it right away.” One of the men informed. Hoseok put his napkin on the table and stood up.

“Show me.” He commanded as he walked over. The men opened the box, revealing the contents inside.

“Very nice...” He picked up one of the items.

“Business on a Saturday morning, Hobah?” Yoongi came in. Hoseok’s workers bowed upon seeing the pale man enter the dining room. But of course, he didn’t even spare them a glance. He sat down in his allocated seat, waiting for the staff to serve him his breakfast. His breakfast was usually an iced coffee then his food 20 minutes later.

“Can’t help it, hyung. You want the best, you’ve got to work when others aren’t.” Hoseok laughed while Yoongi snorted at his comment. He placed the items back into the crate.

“Leave this here. I’ll show the others to see what they think. Good work. We’ll discuss the rest on Monday.” Hoseok said.

“Of course, boss. Have a nice weekend.” The 3 bowed, moving the crate to the side of the room before leaving the mansion. Hoseok took his seat across Yoongi.

“So hyung, I heard you had a little moment with the girl.” Hoseok asked.

“What moment?” Yoongi asked back, no emotion on his face as he sipped the last bit of his coffee.

“Jimin said you loyally guarded the door for her as she used our toilet. Even stayed with her in the hallway after to comfort her.” He explained. Yoongi rolled his eyes, his brothers really needed better things to talk about.

“I saw her the moment she entered, I’m surprised you guys didn’t considering how high our booth is. She needed to use a toilet and the queue was insane so I offered her to use ours. And I wasn’t comforting her, she needed a quiet place and I stayed with her. That’s all.” Yoongi explained.

“Well, that’s a lot more interaction than what the rest have got. Looks like she’ll warm up to you first.” Hoseok said.

“No, she’ll warm up to Taehyung first. He was the one that sent her home.” Yoongi dug into his food on the tray that the butler brought him. Hoseok hummed but couldn’t help the giggle that escaped him.

“What’s Hobi laughing about?” Namjoon came in. He had been awake for a while, opting to sit in his room to read the newspaper rather than come downstairs right away.

“No idea.” Yoongi replied, putting a chopstick of rice into his mouth.

“Ah, seriously, Hobi. I thought we established that we are not going to bring work into the dining room?” Namjoon tsked at the crate in the room.

“It’s fine, Namjoon ah. I’ll move it after breakfast. The boys needed me to inspect the goods, that’s all. Even risked bothering me on a Saturday to do it.” Hoseok waved the leader off. Namjoon shook his head with a sigh.

“Bring my breakfast.” He ordered as he took his seat at the head of the table. The butler bowed and left.

“I’m done. Going back to sleep.” Yoongi stood up and shuffled out of the room. The weekend was for Yoongi to catch up on sleep, it was normal to not see him for the entirety of the two days because he was just sleeping or resting in bed. Jin and Taehyung were the last ones that had breakfast. Jungkook and Jimin would sleep in until dinner time.

“Here. Take what is yours and leave the rest. I told you I would get things done.” Jin dropped the stack of files on the table. Namjoon, Hoseok and Taehyung shrugged, going through the pile to retrieve their things.

“So, hyung, did you find out anymore information about (y/n) when you did your stalking?” Taehyung asked.

“Yah, Taehyung! That was supposed to be confidential.” Jin hissed at the younger exposing him to the rest. However, the younger just shrugged.

“You’re running a check on her?” Namjoon raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not running a check on her... Well, at least not the background checks I usually do. I just wanted to find out about her to maybe try to connect with her in some way. She is a closed book.” Jin explained.

“So what if she is a closed book, I’m sure you can still find whatever you need on her.” Hosoek laughed.

“That’s the thing... She does not have much of a record except for her birth certificate and basic school details. Everything else either doesn’t exist or has been wiped.” Jin informed.

“Wait, you’re telling me there is actually information that you can’t find?”

“How do you know information has been wiped? She could have just not had that much of an eventful life so far. I doubt she can wipe her own records and she doesn’t seem to have a reason to do that.” Namjoon said. He didn’t know you but you didn’t seem like a skillful hacker that could wipe records.

“I know information has been wiped because I am the one who wiped them...” Jin admitted with his head slightly hung.

“What?”

“Boss wanted me to wipe them. He was paranoid, especially when it came to her. So my task was to regularly wipe her records that were 'not relevant’. Hospital visits, stuff like that...” Jin gulped.

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