Alliance BriefingThe Patient’s Role In “Bending The Curve”

Consumers/patients are constantly engaging in unhealthy behaviors:

This is NOT just poor diet and exercise, but also1. Risky Behaviors:

Smoking Not wearing seatbelts Texting and driving Illicit drugs Alcohol

2. Poor Dental Health3. Poor Environments

Environmental and occupational Public safety

4. Poor Access to Medical Care

CURRENT PICTURE OF CONSUMER HEALTH

WHAT TOOLS DOES THE CONSUMER ALREADY HAVE TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE AND LOWER COSTS?

1. Choose more efficient health plans and providers through cost and quality transparency

2. Utilize Patient-Centered Medical Homes to help coordinate care

3. Utilize technology such as prescription reminders to help adhere to their medication regimen

4. Use generic pharmaceuticals when available5. Durable Power of Healthcare Attorney to determine end-of-life care

WHAT TOOLS CAN POLICYMAKERS IMPLEMENT FOR CONSUMERS/PATIENTS?

Value Based Benefit Design

This model of care will help patientsreceive the care they need and helpeliminate overutilization

Cost-sharing also helpscontrol of healthcare costs

BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE CONSUMERS ALREADY PAY HIGH OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and healthreform.gov