Patients: I don't want to pay the same as someone who doesn't take care of their health
The agency we used for some qualitative research on health insurance and health just finished handing us the final report and with my client's permission I am able to share some findings
By on Jul 10, 2009The agency we used for some qualitative research on health insurance and health just finished handing us the final report and with my client's permission I am able to share some findings
with my audience. The objective of the research was to determine if consumers would be willing to pay for health insurance based on their current health status (i.e. weight, smoker, annual physicals etc). The research was conducted in 6 cities over one week with respondents being in age from 27-62. They currently have to have health insurance that can either be through an employer or on their own. Here are some key findings...
1. People who watch what they eat and exercise were more likely to agree that health insurance premiums should be charged based on lifestyle and the results of an annual physical. Here are some quotes from the research:
I watch what I eat and try and take care of myself. I dont go to the gym everyday but I go when I have time. Why should I pay the same for health insurance as someone who eats cheeseburgers and fries for lunch everyday?
Sure I would like to eat a steak and potatoes every night for dinner but I know that is not healthy. I make an effort to watch what I eat and although I dont always eat right I shouldnt have to pay the same for health insurance as someone who doesnt at least make an effort.
2. There was a direct correlation between age and desire for fitness. People who are younger and single tend to want to make more of an effort to stay in shape and eat right than married older couples.
My wife and I both work and when we get home we often just order out or bring home what looks good from the grocery store. Sure we would like to eat better but who the hell has the time to prepare healthy meals today and just what is healthy now anyway.
We tried some microwavable healthy meals and they were just horrible so now we cook. We eat more vegetables but we do eat way too much meat and fried foods.
3. We informed them how the program would work with this scenario: you get a physical from your doctor and the results (BMI, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Smoking) determine your premium. You are given targets to hit with health counseling and as you meet certain targets (i.e. 20% drop in bad cholesterol or lower blood pressure) your premiums are lowered.
I wouldnt mind but I have a family history of high blood pressure and I might not be able to control it with diet and exercise
If I had more time to cook right and go to the gym or take walks and that would help then yes I would be open to it
I have been trying to quit smoking on and off for over 20 years. Its hard and Im not sure that saving some money could motivate me anymore to quit
During the general discussion there were several uncomfortable moments when some panel members said that they were angry that they pay the same premium as someone who is overweight and unhealthy. Several overweight people on the panel took offense and said that they had not chose to be this way and had tried to diet many times but were unable to lose weight to which others said that it was still a choice of what they ate and lifestyle. One guy who had lost 60 pounds said it took me a year to lose weight but I stayed with it and every now and then I had some pizza and went off my diet but I kept walking and stayed with it.
What does this mean for the client? Well they are developing several programs for companies that determine health costs by the health of employees. People who do not exercise or control health areas, within their direct control, would be charged more than people who are within federal guideline for BMI etc... In addition to financial incentives they would also offer health and wellness counseling including discounts on health club memberships and supplements. If a condition is preventable then we want to ensure people do whatever they can to prevent the onset. This could be the future of healthcare...