At some point, everyone will need health care services. And the more consumers know about insurance coverage and health care, the easier it is to make smart decisions about their care.
Health insurance can be confusing, which can make it difficult for people to understand how to choose a policy, use their benefits, and move through the health care system. This goes for the newly insured and those who have previously had coverage.
According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, roughly 9 out of 10 adults may lack the health literacy skills needed to manage their health and prevent disease. Moreover, various studies show many consumers don’t know health insurance lingo like deductibles or important factors to consider when choosing a health plan, such as which providers are included in a plan’s network. And 74% of organizations that helped consumers shop for health insurance said nearly all of the consumers needed help understanding health insurance basics.
For health care consumers, knowledge is power. When they know what’s covered, how to find a doctor, how to fill a prescription, how much a procedure will cost out of pocket, or which services are free preventive care, consumers can take charge of their health care and achieve healthier outcomes.
That’s why AHIP has gathered a few of our favorite videos – from health care thought leaders to animated infographics – that can help consumers better understand how health insurance works.
AHIP also works together with the National Consumers League (NCL) to provide easy-to-use information for consumers to make the health care choices that work best for them through MyHealthPlan.guide.
Consumers can’t do it alone. Health insurance providers, physicians, caregivers, patient advocates – it’s all our job to provide patients and families with the information, education, and support they need to confidently and actively manage their physical health and financial well-being.