25% of Adults Have Debt Due to Medical or Dental Bills
 
 • Medical or dental bills that are past due or that they are unable to pay: 24%
 • Medical or dental bills they are paying off over time directly to a provider: 21%
 • Debt they owe to a bank, collection agency, or other lender that includes debt or loans used to pay medical or dental bills: 17%
 • Medical or dental bills they have put on a credit card and are paying off over time: 17%
 • Debt they owe to a family member or friend for money they borrowed to pay medical or dental bills: 10%
 • Yes to any of the above: 41%

Source: KFF, June 16, 2022 
 

Forbes: Misunderstandings About Health Savings Accounts, 7 Takeaways
 
1. 43% think an HSA is an account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses.
2. 41% think you can use one to pay health insurance deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
3. 20% think you can set up an HSA with any type of health insurance plan.
4. 19% think that if you don't use the money in an HSA by the end of the year you lose it.
5. 15% think if you switch jobs, you lose your HSA.
6. 5% answered none of the above.
7. 25% don't know what an HSA is.
 
Source: Forbes, July 18, 2022
  

Understanding the Relationship Between Trust and Health Care CVS Health released the Summer Health Trends Report, which focuses on trust. CVS Health and Edelman, a global communications firm known for its Trust Barometer, joined moderator Jessica DaMassa, health innovation reporter, to discuss current trends and challenges involving consumer trust in health care. This panel discussion highlighted the importance of trust in health care, discussed building trust in the health ecosystem and the important part local voices play in trust and how CVS Health’s offerings are evolving around this.

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Consumers Want Better Digital Tools for Finding Health Care: Survey
A growing number of health care consumers prefer more seamless digital experiences in scheduling and interacting with their health care provider and health plan, according to the results of an Optum survey. Many of these consumers, especially younger adults, are not satisfied with their current experience, the survey showed. These results highlight opportunities for providers and health plans to attract and retain consumers, patients and members by reducing friction in interactions with those seeking care.
BusinessWire, July 20, 2022
 
Americans Confused By Basic Health Insurance Terms But Happy With Their Plans
Ignorance may be bliss for health insurance consumers. Many Americans say they’re happy with their health insurance, but that doesn’t mean they understand it. A recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 Americans who have health insurance found that over three-quarters can’t identify the term “coinsurance” and nearly half incorrectly defined copayment and deductible. That’s just the beginning of their confusion about the U.S. health insurance system.
Forbes, July 18, 2022
 
Consumers want a more connected, personal health care experience, new CVS Health study reveals
The CVS Health 2022 Health Care Insights Study reveals that U.S. consumers many of whom delayed care over the past several years because of COVID-19 are now eager to restart their health and wellness journeys. Consumers say they want more meaningful and engaging relationships with health care providers and want them to know about and address their holistic health goals.
CVS Health, July 11, 2022
 
How Much Health Insurers Pay for Almost Everything to Go Public
Consumers, employers, and just about everyone else interested in health care prices will soon get an unprecedented look at what insurers pay for care, perhaps helping answer a question that has long dogged those who buy insurance: Are we getting the best deal we can?
Kaiser Health News, July 1, 2022
 
100 Million People in America Are Saddled With Health Care Debt
Elizabeth Woodruff drained her retirement account and took on three jobs after she and her husband were sued for nearly $10,000 by the New York hospital where his infected leg was amputated. Ariane Buck, a young father in Arizona who sells health insurance, couldn’t make an appointment with his doctor for a dangerous intestinal infection because the office said he had outstanding bills.
KHN, June 16, 2022