Among the major findings:

Patients and affluent consumers are most dissatisfied with the health care billing and payment system. For example, one in two consumers in poor or fair health— the greatest utilizers of the system — rated hospitals poorly on price transparency and affordability.
The affluent were almost twice as likely as those in the general population to say that their health insurance isn't affordable.
The affluent were twice as likely as the general population to say that their payment experience had damaged their view of their insurer.

The affluent were 10 percent more likely than the general population to say they doubted the accuracy of their bills.
Respondents who were between 25 and 34 years of age were far more likely to say they had asked for a discount, asked for cheaper drugs, had asked for payment assistance, and had requested a less expensive specialist than any other age group.
Cost-conscious millennials are more likely than the general population to judge health care organizations based on their billing practices. They also are more likely to challenge medical bills, search for better deals, and make value-based decisions.
Consumers and new entrants are beginning to circumvent the claims-based health care payment system, especially in primary care services and chronic disease management.

If those trying to collect medical bills from consumers could get their payment system act together, they'd probably get paid more often and a lot faster, PwC opined.

Instant Insights /

Affluent most dissatisfied with health care

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