Most Americans Don’t Price Shop for Healthcare Services, Survey Finds

The latest HealthMine Wellness Survey finds that 70% of U.S. consumers still don’t price shop for healthcare services.

HealthMine, a healthcare technology firm, said that health plan sponsors are part of the problem, with just 29% offering a price comparison tool.

Yet, shopping for medical services or pharmaceutical drugs can really cut down on the out-of-pocket costs of healthcare.

Forty-two percent of consumers said that having a price comparison tool in their wellness program was “very important.” Another 48% said it would be nice to have.

The survey found that many consumers are confused about who is paying for healthcare services and drugs – with many assuming that things are covered, even when there is a significant co-pay required.

This type of assumption can cost hundreds – even thousands – of dollars each year.