Health Care in California: Perspectives from Employers and Consumers

Publication Date: January 2005

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: California

Abstract:

In 2004, as health care costs continued a pattern of double-digit annual increases, employers and consumers alike felt the effects, according to surveys conducted by Harris Interactive of California employers, consumers, and those with chronic illness. Employers said that they felt costs were more under control in 2004 than they were two years prior, but increasingly were concerned about the negative consequences of employee cost-sharing measures. Not surprisingly, consumers were less satisfied with their health benefits than they were two years prior and were particularly worried about not being able to pay for the portion of health care services that must come out of their own pocket. Also, a significant percentage of people with chronic illnesses, particularly those with lower incomes and poorer health, reported having problems paying their medical bills. Some are skipping recommended care as a way of controlling costs. In an examination of the effects of changing health care benefits and cost control strategies on these groups.