July 2004

Consumers are careful about healthcare spending

A survey of healthcare consumers shows that they want quality care and value for the money they spend on keeping themselves healthy. More than two-thirds of those polled plan ahead by researching costs and determining what their healthcare plans cover.

According to a study sponsored by CIGNA HealthCare, 62 percent of respondents recognize that their insurance does not cover everything, so they pay attention to how much their healthcare costs. Nearly 80 percent said that they try to get the best value for their healthcare dollars by balancing the importance of cost and quality before they get care.

“We’re seeing consumerism taking hold and becoming a basic part of the way many people make day-to-day decisions about their healthcare,” said Tom Croswell, CIGNA HealthCare’s senior vice president for consumerism and integration. “It’s clear that consumers want and need more information. As interest in consumer-driven healthcare models grows, the information provided by health plans plays an even greater role,” he added.

The survey also showed that consumers have a high interest level in the concept of a health savings account (HSA). More than two-thirds of respondents said they were at least somewhat interested in such an account.

Source: CIGNA HealthCare, www.cigna.com

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