Healthcare and the “Moral Hazard”

As we move closer to a new year and a Presidential election healthcare organizations are struggling to define their position, brand and operating model in a post reform environment.  30 more million covered lives and a large number of baby boomers reaching retirement are going to put a huge strain on our healthcare system financially and operationally.  Consumers are going to be asked to take more responsibility for their healthcare and the choices they make to live healthier lives.

Investments in technology have been traditionally spent for clinical improvement and outcomes rather than operational or financial improvement.   Business and IT haven’t always worked in harmony to understand the unique needs of their customers, members and patients to provide them with tools the better manage their health and spend.

Insurance coverage has been traditionally provided by employers or government-sponsored programs insulating Americans from the financial impact poor health choices have on our healthcare system.  The decisions we make about our health, insurance coverage and overall spend will have an impact on our own wallets influencing the choices we make to live a healthier life.  Today, many individuals and institutions are not financially responsible for the poor decisions they make in managing health.  This is the moral hazard.

To read more on this topic check out our latest white paper.  Download it here:

http://ciber.com/us/index.cfm/insights/white-papers/download/?q=consumer-activation