Now that Pres. Obama has been re-elected (a positive call to
action for those of us in public health!), states are going to be in a rush to
get their health exchanges up and running (NYT
11/10/12). Many states were playing a wait-and-see game, doing little to
plan for their exchange.
By Jan. 1, 2014 the Fed Gov’t. is requiring most Americans to have health
insurance. Every state is supposed to have an exchange by Jan. 1, 2014.
How Will the Health
Exchanges Operate?
Great question!
That's much less clear.
If states want to run their own exchanges, they have until
Dec. 14 ( with extensions, now maybe until Feb. 15) to submit
applications, or blueprints. Right now, less than half the states say they are
going to run their own exchanges. In that case the Federal govt. will run
the exchanges.
Consumers May Be the
Losers
Unless the health exchanges are up to the task of really
assisting consumers understand health plans and choose wisely, consumers may be
the losers.
(Consumers
Union, 2012; Sofaer and
Hibbard, 2010; I too worked on an AHRQ SBIR 1997,creating
health plan choice tools for underserved and low literate populations) as just
some examples.
Most consumers don’t know enough about health plans and
their products, (often due to plan information written in a very difficult
manner) and have a near impossible time trying to compare plans and make
the best choice for themselves and their families (Council of Economic
Advisors, 1994; OTA, 1988).
The Health Exchanges, the materials the produce, the hiring
and training of the staff they have to assist consumers will play a very key
role in the successful entry of millions of people into the health system. They must do the heavy lifting when it comes
to getting consumers ready to choose and use a health plan – a key cost control
criteria.
Health Exchanges need to be on top of their game when it comes to understanding that the
majority of new health plan consumers are likely low health literate - 50% of adults in the US are, and
disproportionately so if they are poorer or less educate. Clear communication and effective decision-making
tools will be absolutely vital.
Can the health
exchanges get consumers ready?
Will they use the
best practices we’ve been developing in health literacy?
Easily, the publish is really the greatest on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantastic lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business enterprise!
ReplyDeleteonline pharmacy in india