The results are in, and the results are not surprising.
Rhode Islanders want quality health care coverage and are not that concerned about cost. That’s because employers are paying for much of the health care costs of their employees. Employers also want their employees to have quality health care coverage, but they, not surprisingly, are a little more aware of costs because they’re paying the bulk of the insurance fees.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island reports that it spent close to $2 million surveying various groups to learn more about their perceptions and feelings relative to health care insurance coverage. Some may believe that is an extraordinary amount to spend on a survey, but if the research brings about positive results, then it is a valid investment.
The Blue Cross study provides a volume plus of valuable information that will not only help Rhode Island’s largest insurer, but may prove valuable to other insurers, along with health care providers.
The research, however, means little unless it results in some positive changes, both assuring continued quality coverage and cost containment. Blue Cross says it plans to develop a number of initiatives from its research, some of which could be based upon wellness programs and high risk behaviors.
While we see both as important, we also raise concerns about maintaining privacy for individuals and avoiding discriminatory hiring practices that might result.
We suspect that for Blue Cross the research might have been the easy part. Developing innovative programs from it may be an even greater challenge.
