Consumerism Healthcare Consumerism transforms health benefit plans by putting economic purchasing power—and as a consequence, decision making—into the hands of participants. It represents a shift in thinking, relying on the idea that individuals bearing financial responsibility for their healthcare will be more motivated and invested to make the best health decisions possible. Successful consumerism depends on supplying accurate and accessible information, along with financial incentives, rewards, and other benefits, that encourage personal involvement in altering health and healthcare purchasing behaviors. With flexible spending, participants will not only pay more attention to what treatments cost, but also demand better quality care.

Jim Frogue Project Director Ron Bachman

1. It must work for the sickest members, as well as the healthiest
2. It must work for those who are less interested in health decision-making, as well as those who are tech-savvy and "plugged in".
   

• Personal Responsibility and Self-Help
  • Consumerism rewards healthy behavior by demanding involvement and awareness on the part of the participant.
• Portability
  • To ensure the proper delivery of care, consumerism must guarantee an exchange of information that both protects privacy and appropriately coordinates between various doctors and the participant. Personal, electronic health records and e-prescriptions are examples of portability.
• The Right to Know
  • Consumerism must support both quality and cost transparency.
• Empowerment
  • Consumerism transforms the current managed care "supply control" system to a "demand control" system in which participants are empowered with easy-to-use tools and information.

The major theme for Healthcare Consumerism is the development of strategies to change behaviors. Consumerism is NOT about high deductible plans, cost shifting, or even Health Savings Accounts. Consumerism is about transforming a health plan from being a “benefit” to being an “accumulating asset.” Consumerism is a new approach to health and healthcare that is a strategy, NOT a plan design.