2011-08-05-奥纬咨询-Inside_the_Uninsured_7页_418kb

Health & Life Sciences Report Summary

Oliver Wyman's survey reveals three significant findings regarding the uninsured American population:

1. High Purchasing Interest: 76% of surveyed uninsured individuals expressed willingness to buy insurance instead of paying a penalty. Based on this, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could potentially cover nearly 39 million previously uninsured individuals by 2014, representing 12% of the U.S. population and $150 billion in purchasing power. This signifies substantial interest and presents a critical consumer base to drive competition and innovation.

2. Strong Price Sensitivity: Cost was the primary factor influencing purchasing decisions. Price sensitivity increases significantly for higher-income individuals (though middle-income groups face specific subsidy challenges), suggesting potential funding difficulties if subsidies are cut in a strained economic climate.

3. Diverse Needs and Preferences: The uninsured demographics show distinct segments:

   • Struggling & Unengaged (44%): Primarily young adults, unwell-off, viewing healthcare as basic protection, comfortable with low-cost urgent care and web-based interactions.
   • Want to Be Healthier (26%): Typically middle-class, interested in improving health, valuing expert assistance, convenience, and timely access.
   • Engaged to Save (12%): More price-sensitive than others, willing to trade traditional services for significant cost savings (e.g., waiting for appointments, retail clinics, lifestyle changes).

The report concludes the uninsured population can be a powerful engine for healthcare innovation if challenges prioritize consumer understanding, adequately fund subsidies, and design exchange offerings tailored to these diverse needs.