The information behaviour of individuals changing health insurance plans and an exploration of health insurance priorities

Abstract

This study investigated why individuals change their health insurance plans, factors that influence their health insurance plan choices and information sources used to compare and select their desired plans. Semi-structured interviews and card sorting exercises with state university employees in the Midwest region were performed. Saving money was the main reason for switching health insurance plans. Health insurance plan coverage and cost, past experiences with the plans and coverage, health saving accounts, personal and/or family health status and forecasting health care demands for the upcoming year determined their choice of health insurance plan. Human Resource departments, printed materials, health insurance companies, online tools for comparing plans and interpersonal communications were the primary information sources for comparing and selecting health insurance plans. The study suggests that although individuals evaluate various factors and refer to multiple information sources when choosing a plan, they still experience uncertainty regarding selected plans for the coming year.