Apta Healthcare Blog

Regardless of the millennial stereotypes that exist, some of which may or may not be true, one thing is for sure: millennials care about their health. Evidenced by the rise in popularity of health food retailers and gym memberships, it is safe to say millennials are striving to be the healthiest generation yet. This sentiment is reflected in what they have come to expect from their employee benefit packages.

When you sign up for health insurance what value does it add to your life? Sure, it’s something we are required to have, but what do we really mean when we say the phrase “health insurance?”

Did you know the word “insurance” comes from the 16th century Old French word “ensurance?” This roughly translates to “assurance; safe and secure.” Now, do any of these words actually come to mind when you call your insurance company or face the bill after a procedure?

Didn’t think so.

Instead, common associations are probably more in line with “dread,” “terror,” or “not again.” How did we stray so far from the original intent of this word? Excuse my French, but what the health happened?

Healthcare isn’t exactly known for its high-touch customer service. Getting in and out of the doctor’s office or the hospital in a reasonable amount of time is about as much as most people ask for, and even that can be a challenge. When you need to coordinate multiple physicians and specialists, the process becomes even more daunting.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery in recent years by bringing doctors into living rooms via video. What once might have been considered science fiction is very much a reality.

The healthcare delivery process has traditionally been fragmented and confusing for consumers. While evaluations, specialty care, drug delivery and rehabilitation are rightly handled by different practitioners, there’s rarely meaningful coordination between the individual components.

The political decision on whether to change or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is lining up to take center stage in healthcare news this year. However, issues such as drug costs, healthcare consumerism and a rise in technology - or telemedicine - are also making headlines.

Last year, consumer healthcare solutions leader Alegeus Technologies announced its inaugural Healthcare Consumerism Index, which sought to measure consumer behavior and engagement during the healthcare purchasing process.

A widespread complaint among self-insured employers and healthcare consultants is that employees are not engaged in their healthcare programs. In a rapidly changing healthcare marketplace where consumers have more control over their healthcare than ever before, their involvement is critical.