Consumer Health Care Engagement Trends for 2021

UnitedHealth Group Weekly Dose Podcast

COVID-19 has had an outsized influence on the health plan Americans intend to select during open enrollment, according to the new UHC Consumer Sentiment Survey. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans surveyed say they are interested in using a smartphone or laptop to access medical services.

The fifth-annual UnitedHealthcare Consumer Sentiment Survey examines Americans’ attitudes and opinions about multiple areas of health care, including open enrollment preparedness, technology trends and health plan preferences.

By the numbers:

• 44% said COVID-19 has influenced – or will influence – their preferred health plan choice. Gen-Z were the most likely to be influenced (68%), compared to Baby Boomers (29%).
• A survey-record 56% said they are interested in using digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, to access care. 55% said they had used the internet or mobile apps to comparison shop for health care during the past year. One-quarter use online or mobile resources as the first option to evaluate health issues or symptoms.
• When it comes to specialty benefits, most respondents (84%) said it was important to have vision and dental coverage options during open enrollment.