The Health Coverage Desires of Millennials and Gen Z

By tradition, American health insurance has been linked to employment since the 1940s. However, this is changing as younger generations are altering the workforce itself. Additionally, millennials are now the highest populated generation within the U.S. labor force; however, their expectations for health care and insurance are rapidly changing. It is important to take the desires of millennials into consideration, as well as Gen Zers since they are the generation to follow.

Millennial’s primary desperation for a change in health care is due to an underlying dissatisfaction with the status quo. Younger generations are unhappy with their wait time for appointments, availability of health care, and office efficiency. Younger generations are also more likely to ask for price estimates upfront before accepting appointments and procedures. Interestingly enough, only half of upfront estimates are proven accurate to trust cost.

As a result, millennials need different healthcare. The ideal future of insurance for millennials would include an emphasis on customer service; brand, price, and service transparency; and individualized plans. Ultimately, cost is key for millennial healthcare as 54% of millennials would avoid seeing a doctor to save money. A full breakdown on what millennials and Gen Zers prefer in the future of healthcare can be found in the infographic below.