Case bets on business to heal health care system

By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY

He admits that some people think he's crazy.

But AOL co-founder Steve Case is gambling that the current buzz on how to fix the nation's health system — more consumer choice and responsibility — is not a passing fad, but a long-term business opportunity.

Joining him today in launching a private firm aimed at buying up promising companies that offer a range of consumer-focused health services are several investors, including former secretary of State Colin Powell.

Called Revolution Health Group, it is the first public business venture for Powell since he stepped down in January. "There's no part of American life right now that is more in need of imagination and new ideas than health care," Powell said Wednesday.