Groundbreaking Deloitte Survey Reveals Many U.S. Consumers Want Major Changes in Health Care Design...(rvey's scope makes it one of the most th...),Health

Among the survey's key findings:

- 93 percent say they are not well prepared for future health care costs

- 79 percent of consumers believe health care will be an important issue

in the 2008 election; 46 percent described it as one of the top three

issues affecting their vote

- 34 percent say they would use a retail clinic; 16 percent already have

- 60 percent want physicians to provide online access to medical records

and test results, and online appointment scheduling; one in four say

they would pay more for the service

- 1 in 3 consumers say they want more holistic/alternative therapies in

their treatment program

- 3 of 4 consumers want expanded use of in-home monitoring devices, and

online tools that would reduce need for visits and allow individuals

to be more active in their care

- 84 percent prefer generic drugs to name brands

- 29 percent support a tax increase to help cover the uninsured; another

34 percent say they would consider a tax hike

- 52 percent of consumers say they understand their insurance coverage;

only 8 percent understand their policies completely

- For additional findings, visit http://www.deloitte.com/us/consumerism/library

The way Americans think and behave in buying, managing and using their health care varies widely by gender, age group and cultural background, according to the survey. Women and men, for instance, have very different approaches to how they select and pay for their health care.

The Deloitte survey, how
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