Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Survey results released on September 30 show that Americans are deeply worried about increases in out-of-pocket expenses for health care, and that they have little confidence in making health care decisions (Source: “49% Don’t Understand Health Plan Costs,” HealthLeaders Media News, September 30, 2016).
The “Moments of Truth” research report, from benefit-administration company Alegeus, is derived from a survey of more than 4,000 U.S. health care consumers. It confirms that Americans are deeply worried about increases in out-of-pocket expenses for health care, with 66% of consumers saying that “planning for out-of-pocket costs” was the most challenging and stressful aspect of managing their health care.
Just as health plans are gearing up for open enrollment, consumers are struggling to understand their options and worried about how to pay high deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses, the report suggests.
Respondents also said they had little confidence in making health care decisions, with 69% saying that deciphering health care jargon is a significant barrier to decision-making. Forty-nine percent of consumers said they don’t understand the cost implications of different health plan choices.