Video: Just What the Doctor Ordered: Survey Shows Americans Adopting Healthier ...( Tightening economy serving as tip...),Health

Tightening economy serving as tipping point for behavior change

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than half of Americans (51 percent) believe there are good things about the current health care system, but major changes are needed, according to the 2008 EBRI Health Confidence Survey. The survey was released today by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Mathew Greenwald and Associates Inc., and was underwritten by the Principal Financial Group(R).

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/ebri/35025/

"The economic crisis is serving as 'the tipping point' in terms of how Americans are changing behavior concerning their health care," said Jerry Ripperger, national practice leader of consumer health at the Principal Financial Group. "We've finally reached a place where more Americans are focusing on making smarter health care decisions, and taking more personal responsibility that will improve their health and ease the strain on their wallets."

The survey indicates that Americans are showing some level of personal responsibility through heightened awareness and action. Two out of five Americans (39 percent) report they are often or always aware of the cost of their doctor's visit. For example, those Americans who have experienced higher health care costs over the last year:

-- Tried to take better care of themselves (76 percent)

-- Chose generic drugs more often (74 percent)

-- Talked to the doctor more carefully about treatment options and costs

(63 percent)

Goals for reform: quality, affordable and accessible

The survey indicates that when it comes to reforming the nation's health care system, Americans said it is "extremely" important to make health care coverage affordable (63 percent), provide quality health care (63 percent), and provide health insu
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