2017 Alegeus Healthcare Consumerism Index

Index of healthcare spending and saving behavior affirms that although progress is slow, consumers are becoming more disciplined and value-conscious in healthcare spending and saving decisions

Alegeus is pleased to unveil its 2017 Healthcare Consumerism Index – an annual report that measures the degree of engagement and consumerism exhibited during healthcare spending and saving behaviors. Based on a survey of more than 1,400 U.S. healthcare consumers, the 2017 index evaluated two specific aspects of healthcare consumerism – 1) the degree in which consumers consider cost and value during healthcare spending decisions and 2) the degree of consumer focus and discipline on planning and saving for healthcare costs.

Consumers are increasingly responsible for the cost of their healthcare – as evidenced by rising deductibles, growing out-of-pocket costs and accelerating adoption of consumer directed health plans and accounts. However, it’s evident that consumers may not be fully prepared to manage these new financial responsibilities. This index seeks to measure the industry’s progress in empowering consumers to take greater ownership of their healthcare finances.

For each category of consumerism – spending and saving – survey responses were tabulated into a single rating score on a 0-100 point scale. The greater the number, the greater the degree of consumerism exhibited.