If health insurance plan designers are paying attention to what consumers want, insurance options will continue to increase in number in the years ahead.

That's one output from a survey of nearly 2,000 U.S. adults by Cigna. Respondents were asked a wide range of questions related to their health. The concerns expressed by many about the short and long-term effects of paying for and maintaining good health weren't surprising, given the upheaval within the health care field. But consumers' knowledge of insurance options, and their expression of appreciation for what their health plans do for them, was impressive.

For instance, asked to identify plan options they would like to see in their insurance packages, here's what they said:

  • Long-term disability coverage (39 percent);
  • Critical illness insurance (37 percent);
  • Vision insurance (34 percent);
  • Accidental injury insurance (34 percent);
  • Availability of a health care manager to help with health care finances (34 percent);
  • Short-term disability (33 percent).

Some of these preferred options were directly related to fears the respondents revealed about their financial future. Slightly less than half (46 percent) are truly anxious about rising health care costs. This group believes the cost of health care could grow faster than their household income.

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And three-quarters of all respondents believe it's possible their retirement could be ruined by runaway, uninsured health care bills. Among concerns expressed were:

  • Won't be able to pay for their child's college education because of health costs (44 percent);
  • Hospitalization will threaten their finances (42 percent);
  • A partner's health costs will threaten their finances (19 percent);
  • Increasing costs of medications will threaten their finances (16 percent).

Read: Consumers failing to identify lowest-cost options in plan choice

To hold down health care spending, the survey found, consumers are taking the following steps:

  • Choosing lower-cost medications such as generic drugs (90 percent);
  • Planning ahead and budgeting for health insurance and medical expenses (67 percent);
  • Shopping for health care services that cost less (57 percent).

But these consumers know they can't manage their health care costs without solid insurance coverage. They revealed that they value their health plans on many levels. Here's how they ranked what they valued most:

  • Plans pay their medical claims (89 percent);
  • Help to manage cost issues (82 percent);
  • Provide financial protection (80 percent);
  • Negotiate prices with doctors and hospitals (71 percent);
  • Help them and their families get healthier (67 percent);
  • Help them navigate the health system (63 percent).

"The insights gained from our survey show how strong the link is between health and financial security, and reinforces our role in understanding customers' needs and working with them to lead healthier, more secure lives," said Dr. Scott Josephs, Cigna national medical officer. "Years ago, we heard customers say they wanted to protect their health so they could see a child graduate from college or get married. Today, consumers seem to be saying they also want to protect their financial security so they can pay for that child's college education or wedding."

 

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Dan Cook

Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.