Blockchain and Bitcoin, two tech buzzwords that seem to be making more and more appearances in other industries these days. Bitcoin in particular has garnered a lot of attention in recent weeks, rising to unprecedented value before a series of volatile dips and recoveries.

What could it do for health care? Take away piles of paperwork and administrative red tape, for one. That's the proposal of Universal Health Coin, a financial system built on blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, replacing third-parties (including brokers, insurers and the government) with artificial intelligence.

Think of it as reference-based pricing, universal health care and The Matrix, all rolled into one.

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Emily Payne

Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.