According to research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), those most likely to seek information on American health care costs, accessibility, and quality are young people, people experiencing increases in cost sharing or premiums, and females. The study also found that individuals with higher educational attainment were more likely to research health information. The analysis was based on the EBRI/MGA Health Confidence Survey.
Types of information people searched for
- If and how many disciplinary actions were taken against a particular hospital or physician.
- The disadvantages and advantages of various treatments.
- The cost of various treatments.
- The cost associated with various hospitals and physicians.
- The experience, training, and certification of a particular physician.
- Statistics on procedures performed at a particular hospital, such as the number performed and rate of success.
Key findings
- Fourteen percent reported that they had sought information on how many disciplinary actions had been taken against a hospital or physician.
- Twenty-four percent attempted to look at the costs associated with various hospitals and physicians.
- Twenty-eight percent attempted to find the complete costs of various treatments.
- Forty-five percent of Americans reported trying to obtain health information related to the disadvantages and advantages of various treatments.
The author of the study noted that many employers have shifted more health-care costs to employees, which has prompted more people to look for ways to control costs while seeking quality care.
Factors that motivated information seeking
Cost-shifting
Respondents who experienced cost-sharing increases or premium increases were more likely than those who did not to seek information on a doctor's credentials, the advantages and disadvantages of treatments, provider costs, and treatment costs.
Health status
People who considered themselves in poor to fair health were more likely to search for how many given procedures a hospital had performed and what the hospital's success rate was for those procedures. Among respondents reporting worsening health over the previous years, 52% said they attempted to gather information on treatment options.
Demographics
Individuals older than 65 were less likely than those under 45 to seek information on provider and treatment costs, treatment pros and cons, and disciplinary actions against providers. The study also indicated that lower-income individuals and minorities may be more likely than white individuals to search for cost-related information.
Health coverage
Respondents with health coverage were less likely than uninsured respondents to search for provider and treatment costs. Those unsatisfied with their existing health plan were more apt than those very or extremely satisfied to seek information on costs and treatment options. For guidance about plan choices and coverage implications, see Understanding Health Coverage Options Under the ACA.
Benefit plan sponsors can use findings like these to better understand employees' concerns and connect workers with clearer resources and decision tools; employers exploring program design and communication strategies may find useful ideas in Transforming Health Benefits Programs.
If employees need one-on-one help interpreting information or comparing options, they can talk to an agent for personalized assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find reliable cost information for procedures or hospitals?
Start with official hospital reporting sites and state health department resources, and compare those figures with insurer cost tools and employer-provided price transparency resources.
Why do people research treatment advantages and disadvantages?
Patients often seek this information to weigh benefits, side effects, and recovery expectations so they can make more informed treatment decisions with their clinicians.
How can employers help workers who want to compare provider costs and quality?
Employers can offer clear cost-transparency tools, educational resources, and access to decision-support services to help employees compare providers and treatments.