Craig Kurtzweil is the chief data and analytics officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business. He uses the nation’s largest health care data set to provide insights that improve health care decisions, affordability, and outcomes. Craig joined UnitedHealthcare in 2005 and formed the Center for Advanced Analytics to drive innovative analytic solutions for the company's largest employer customers. Most recently, Craig was recognized by CDO Magazine as part of the Data Leaders 100 – The Leading Influencers North America List 2023.
Understanding the United States health care landscape — and its generational impacts
The United States (U.S.) health care system is known for its complexity, and navigating it can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with its intricacies. One aspect that significantly influences health care experiences and costs is generational differences — from the Boomers to Generation X through Millennials and the up-and-coming Generation Z, each age-defined group is reporting a different relationship with their health care.
A recent study was conducted by the UnitedHealthcare Center for Advanced Analytics® led by Craig Kurtzweil, chief data and analytics officer at UnitedHealthcare, with the goal of shedding light on these generational impacts. The study analyzed data from a subset of the UnitedHealthcare commercial membership, encompassing over 5.6 million members, and its key findings are below. This information is important for international insurers to understand if they have members receiving care in the U.S.
Revealing how different generations utilize health care
Many fascinating trends and differences were revealed through this cross-generational study, with takeaways including:
- Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are the most “at risk” group, and lead all other generations in combined emergency room (ER), urgent care, and virtual care visits, indicating their preference for immediate care
- Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have higher rates of chronic and complex conditions, and along with Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980), also have higher rates of outpatient surgeries, particularly related to gastrointestinal and orthopedic procedures
- When it comes to preventative care, Baby Boomers average 4.4 physician visits per year, compared to 2 visits for Millennials and Generation Z
- Generation Z leads all generations in behavioral health spend, followed by Generation Alpha (those with birthdates in the early 2010s) and Millennials
Health care costs: The age/expense correlation
Unsurprisingly, the study revealed that as individuals age, health care costs tend to increase due to the higher incidence of chronic conditions, requiring more frequent provider visits and prescriptions.
- Baby Boomers have the highest per member per month (PMPM) costs compared to younger generations, reflecting their higher utilization of health care services
- Older employees, such as Baby Boomers, pay more out of pocket because they utilize more services and prescriptions, an average of $1,415 per member per year
- Younger employees generally choose plan designs that have the least impact to take home pay, but these choices could prove to be costlier long-term
The results: Implications for international insurers
By recognizing the unique needs and preferences of each generation, international insurers can tailor their offerings to better serve their members and suit their lifestage and preferences. This may include working with organizations that offer a combination of wide U.S. network access and competitive pricing that pleases all generations, plus also provide them with the best possible care and coverage.
The information provided in this article is based on a study conducted by the UnitedHealthcare Center for Advanced Analytics® and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional health care advice. Please consult with a health care professional for personalized guidance and information.
Source: UnitedHealthcare Center for Advanced Analytics® Study, January 2023
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