|
|
Article: The health plan of tomorrow: the increased role of consumers, along with increased healthcare costs, will compel health plans to use technology so everyone in the equation comes out a winner.(Managed Care)
- Article from:
- Health Management Technology
- Article date:
- January 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Ready or not, the age of consumerism has descended upon healthcare.
With health insurance premiums rising an average of 11 percent annually, most employers are shifting more costs to employees. Some are dropping benefits altogether. As they pick up more of the tab each year, consumers will expect more say in the delivery of their healthcare. They'll demand better service from health plans, more information about doctors and hospitals, and more help navigating the healthcare system.
Macro-level cost pressures also are driving efficiency and modernization in healthcare. Employers' tolerance of double-digit premium increases is wearing thin. That means ...