Article at a glance:

What consumers want in health care

• Faced with health care decisions, consumers are concerned, confused, and unprepared. They rely heavily on personal recommendations and brand recognition, according to a recent McKinsey study.
• As the industry shifts from a wholesale to a retail model, a new market of consumers is demanding clearer information and personalized support. A company that pays careful attention to their needs, desires, and habits stands to gain a significant advantage over its competitors in this quickly burgeoning market.

This article contains the following exhibits:

• Exhibit 1: Currently, 116 million US consumers have a choice of health insurance, and that number is expected to grow.
• Exhibit 2: Many US consumers are not prepared financially for health problems, and their estimates of health care costs in retirement diverge widely.
• Exhibit 3: In addition to traditional insurance, US consumers are interested in a range of financial products, such as a health-focused savings accounts.

Interactive exhibit:

Exhibit: An interactive media player featuring narrated exhibits and video interviews with health care consumers.