Millennials -- those born between 1981 and 1996 -- are increasingly moving away from having a primary care doctor. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, half of the 26 percent of respondents who said they don’t have a primary care physician were between the ages of 18 and 29.
Instead, millennials are opting to use the internet, employers and urgent care centers to address their health care needs. Why is this happening? There are several different factors that are likely impacting how millennials are responding to the healthcare industry. We’ll look at a few of them.
Millennials love convenience
The healthcare system has come a long way over the past several decades. At one time, people had no choice but to seek out a doctor for almost all health-related issues. If something came up after working hours, the only other option was a visit to the emergency room. This is no longer the case. We now have access to retail health clinics and standalone urgency care centers that operate both nights and weekends. Each option is reasonably priced and usually costs no more than $50 per visit.
On top of that, telemedicine offers new ways to interact with doctors outside of the doctor’s office. Rather than missing work or interrupting an otherwise busy day to commute, a millennial can enjoy on-demand care via telephone call or video conference. These virtual visits also enable physicians to send necessary prescriptions directly to the pharmacy without needing to see the patient face-to-face.
One survey noted that the average wait time for new patient appointments totaled 24 days, so it’s no surprise that millennials are interested in bypassing the “old” for the new.
Heads up! Decent offers plans that include Virtual Direct Primary Care (VDPC)! Our virtual plans allow you to get the referrals or prescriptions you need over the phone with 24/7 phone access. You always meet with the same doctor and you get unlimited virtual visits with your primary care doctor. Learn more!
Millennials are tech-savvy
Many millennials are digital natives and have used various forms of technology their entire lives. They are very active on social media and love doing all things online, whether it’s booking a hotel, scheduling a hair appointment, or ordering food for dinner.
The healthcare industry is a few strides behind when it comes to advancements in technology. This gap can make it difficult for millennials to feel like they connect with a doctor’s office -- and vice versa. As long as fax machines and the telephone take priority within the walls of the doctor’s office, millennials will seek out more convenient, tech-friendly options.
Heads up! Decent is with it when it comes to tech! You can get a (free) quote, enroll, and view your benefits online. We make it simple to get connected to the care you need. We also offer several plans that include VDPC, so you can connect with your primary care doctor in a way that works for you.
Millennials get sticker shock
No one likes surprise medical bills, but millennials are especially sensitive to the expenses associated with health care. Considering that millennials are earning salaries estimated to be 20% lower than that of their boomer counterparts at the same age, it’s no wonder that they are trying to keep costs low.
Avoiding the doctor is one way that millennials are managing health care costs, which can be risky. While it may appear to save money in the short term, the long-term costs associated with delaying care are great. Without a relationship with a primary care doctor that understands one’s health history, health can actually deteriorate and end up costing more further down the road.
Heads up! Decent offers comprehensive, affordable plans that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Even better - you never have to worry about surprise medical bills. In fact, we offer free direct primary care (DPC), so you never pay a dime to see your primary care doctor.
Millennials: get Decent health care
If you’re a millennial and the words above ring true, we have good news: we offer several plans to suit your needs. All our plans offer free direct primary care. That means that all services offered through your primary care doctor are covered in your monthly premium and cost you exactly $0 every time you need to see your doctor, no matter what the reason.
Some of our plans offer free virtual direct primary care, so you can access your primary care doctor in the most convenient way possible. Additionally, you enjoy low or no copays for care before you’ve hit your deductible. Get your free quote today!
