Millennials view healthcare much differently than past generations. Recent studies have shown that the generation looks at physicians as the last resort. However, it also showed they viewed them as the top source for trusted information. So, why is this? Let’s look into the viewpoints of most millennials.
1. They Expect Fast Care
Overall, Millennials have an expectation of things being done quicker. The world has only become more high-paced with the adaptation of technology and, more specifically, the internet. But, healthcare has remained relatively the same with speed, making Millennials grow even more impatient with the system.
The expectation of a visit taking under 30 minutes, with the realization it can take hours sometimes, makes most of the generation shy away from healthcare.
2. Insurance Plans Are Too Expensive
Job stability and security is no longer what it was for Generation X and the Baby Boomers. The world has evolved, giving people more freedom and flexibility. So, the health and no waiting period dental insurance plans offered by companies are minimal, if at all.
This forces Millennials to purchase dental and medical insurance through a private company. Most people must pay a few hundred dollars every month just for a decent plan. Some waste thousands since they rarely use the health care system. This creates an even more negative stigma for Millennials.
3. Tax Credits Get Taken Later
Obama Care forces everyone to have health insurance, whether they like to or not. The failure to have it forces a Millennial to pay up to a $1,000 fine at the end of every year. For those who are already struggling to make ends meet, it essentially takes away from their tax refund.
However, Millennials who choose to get health insurance through the new system may be eligible for a tax credit. This helps reduce the amount of money they pay each month, to make the payment manageable for the current salary. Sure, you may think this sounds great.
But, at the end of the year, that tax credit is added up and taken from your tax refund. It’s a vicious lose-lose for most Millennials.
4. They Believe in Healthy Living
Millennials believe that doctors are trying to make a living on feeding patients pills and prescribing them unnecessary treatments. This was mainly seen with the recent epidemic of prescription painkillers, where many people were dying from taking too many.
This fear has left an impression on the generation. They believe that eating healthy and exercising are the best long-term solutions for staying healthy.
5. They Prefer a Higher Premium
Adding onto the already high costs of insurance plans, most Millennials prefer plans that offer lower deductibles. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium. This is the only generation who has preferred higher premiums.
Since the generation worries about out-of-pocket expenses, these higher monthly premiums with lower deductibles give them the reassurance they can afford the procedure being sought out. However, the added price (which can be double of what people were paying for higher deductibles), is causing stress on the generation, making them only further resent the healthcare system.
Millennials Have Changed Their Way of Thinking
Millennials have changed the way society thinks, especially about healthcare. With the constant awareness of the issues arising, this generation relies more on taking care of their own bodies than going to a physician for help.
