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Members generally gravitate toward the easiest, fastest experience available to them. In our tech-savvy world, if you're offering inconvenient, outdated methods instead of simple digital options, members won't be satisfied. If your health plan wants to:

- Keep members happy.

- Grow membership.

- Stand out from competitors.

- And save money, it's essential to offer digital healthcare shopping tools.

In fact, companies that use a consumer-centric approach are 60% more profitable than companies that don’t.‍

By the numbers.

The number of consumers who prefer to use digital channels for healthcare services is growing. According to surveys conducted by McKinsey, from 2016 to 2018 the number of consumers who prefer to pay their health bills online rose 14%. The number that prefer to search for hospitals or health systems online rose by 13%. And the number who prefer to look up hospital or health system ratings also rose by 13%. The demand for digital is rising, as well as the demand to know prices before receiving care.

Giving members search-and-compare tools for healthcare and navigation assistance can make them happier with your offerings. These tools can also save members (and you) money. In fact, one of our own clients saw an average cost savings of 61% from our healthcare navigation recommendations over a four-year period. Our shop-and-compare app also makes it easy to look for pricing information. This gives your members confidence in their decisions and savings in their pockets.‍

How your offerings benefit from digital healthcare shopping.‍

Digital healthcare shopping has benefits for every type of health plan. Since they pay for a greater part of their care, high deductible health plan members will find value in being able to shop and compare their care options. Digital healthcare shopping allows them to feel confident about their healthcare decisions. For health cost sharing groups, members will find great use in being able to find cash pay prices for thousands of healthcare services. This keeps costs down and members healthy, which is beneficial to the whole community. Digital healthcare shopping is even useful to third-party administrators. TPAs who can offer an easy shop-and-compare app at an affordable price for their clients will not only make their clients more successful but themselves too.‍

Final thoughts.

A great consumer experience can be the determining factor that sets you apart from competitors. Consumers want transparency in their healthcare, and the ability to shop for care. The most effective and cost-efficient way to incorporate these consumer wants into your plan is through digital shopping capabilities. These tools will empower your members to make the best decisions for them, and in turn, save money. This leads to higher member satisfaction and better retention for your health plan.