WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge Releases Results of First Study INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 29
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPoint Institute of Health Care
Knowledge today released its first study: "Choosing a Health Plan: What Should
Consumers Look For?" The Institute regularly issues evidence-based research
studies, fact sheets and policy statements designed to help create more
informed consumers and improve health care for all, including WellPoint's 35
million members.
Based on responses from more than 100,000 consumers, employers and
industry thought leaders, the breadth of a health plan's network is the
highest priority when choosing a health plan.
Highlighting the need for consumer engagement, the study also found that
only one-third of consumers were knowledgeable regarding what services were
covered by their current health plan.
"Millions of Americans are in the middle of open enrollment season, a 6 to
8 week period when employees have the option to change their health plan,"
said Sam Nussbaum, chief medical officer, WellPoint, Inc. "As employees become
more informed health care consumers and are paying a greater portion of their
overall health care costs, it is especially important for consumers to take a
careful look at those benefits that are of particular value to their health
care needs, including pharmacy benefits, wellness and health improvement
programs."
According to "Choosing a Health Plan: What Should Consumers Look For?" the
following categories were found to strongly influence consumers' overall
experiences with their current health plans and are important factors to
consider when choosing a health plan:
-- Choice of networks and doctors;
-- Affordability and health plan value;
-- Health and wellness tools and services;
-- Health plan communications regarding how to find a doctor or clinic
within a network and benefit coverage;
-- Access to information on the cost and quality of services and
providers;
-- Quality of customer service.
Based on study results, the Institute suggested a series of questions for
consumers to ask before choosing their health plan, including:
-- Am I satisfied with my current choice of networks and doctors?
-- Are my current doctors covered by this health plan?
-- What is my household's current and anticipated health care service
usage, what are the kinds of things we will need?
-- What are my out-of-pocket expenses and monthly premium costs? Does is
it make sense for me to pay a higher premium for lower out-of-pockets,
or vice versa?
-- Prescriptions are one of the most utilized benefits. What coverage is
provided by the plans I'm evaluating? Are my current prescriptions
covered and at what level?
-- How much will it cost me if an emergency situation occurs?
"Today's consumers are in a better position than ever before to make more
informed choices about which health plan is best for them, based on their
individual needs," said Nussbaum.
The WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge is an innovative
institute that applies evidence-based research to health care management. The
institute serves as the central house for research endeavors undertaken by
WellPoint Inc. and its subsidiaries. Research efforts center on topics such as
health education, consumer behavior, health care disparities and the most
effective use of clinical services. The Institute will also work closely with
its health outcomes and clinical research subsidiary, HealthCore, to release
clinical research that is of interest to consumers and others in health care.
For more information, please visit WellPoint Institute of Health Care
Knowledge at www.wellpoint.com/institute .
About WellPoint, Inc.
WellPoint, Inc. is the largest health benefits company in terms of medical
membership in the United States. WellPoint is an independent licensee of the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves its members as the Blue
Cross licensee for California; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for
Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding
30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding
counties and as Empire Blue Cross or Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in selected
upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the city of Fairfax, the
town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123.), Wisconsin; and through
UniCare. Additional information about WellPoint is available at
www.wellpoint.com .
SOURCE WellPoint, Inc.
