U.S. Workers More Concerned with Cost than Choice of Providers

Cost appears to be more important than choice of physician for U.S. workers, according to a new survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Premiums were cited as a “major factor” when choosing a health plan by 79% of participants, compared with only 53% who cited a plan’s provider network. These data align well with key attributes of the urgent care setting (eg, easy access, relatively low cost, and convenience).  Only 66% said they are “satisfied” with their health benefits, down from 69% in 2014 and 74% in 2012 and 2013.