California Health Decisions Expands Focus in 15th Year to Include Direct-to-Consumer Education.

Health/Medical Writers

ORANGE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 6, 2000

California Health Decisions (CHD), a nonprofit organization that works to put the consumer at the heart of the healthcare system, is marking its 15th year by expanding its focus to include direct-to-consumer, multimedia education programs to help consumers choose and use their healthcare systems.

CHD is recognized for bringing the voice of the consumer to healthcare providers, plans and purchasers and encouraging those organizations to respond with effective change. It also promotes public values by honoring consumer-focused individuals and organizations with its annual Involving the Public in Healthcare Choices (IPHC) awards.

"As always, our goal is to ensure that healthcare providers, insurers and employers are listening to consumers and incorporating their values into the healthcare system. We will continue to champion the consumer point of view and to encourage healthcare plans and providers to make real improvements in their responsiveness," said Betsy Stone, CHD chairperson.

"Consumers benefit when they understand how to best take advantage of their healthcare options. It's important to work directly with consumers, and to influence change from within the healthcare system. We'll pursue any and all solutions that can be of value to consumers."

Healthcare 101 for Seniors

The first of CHD's direct-to-consumer education initiatives, Healthcare 101, will be aimed at California's Medicare-eligible seniors. According to research studies, Medicare recipients frequently don't fully understand their options. In one study conducted for the Health Care Financing Administration, 32 percent of Medicare recipients surveyed reported they knew "little or almost none" of what they need to know about the Medicare program, and more than 60 percent said they knew little about Medicare HMOs.

"Clearly, our Medicare population needs access to more and better information, especially with some HMOs dropping Medicare altogether," Stone said. "Our research shows that seniors most often turn to friends and family for advice, so part of our strategy is to reach out to the baby boomers who are caregivers to older family members."

The program will address the concerns and questions seniors have about prescription drug coverage, an increasingly critical area of concern for Medicare patients, according to Ellen Severoni, CHD president. "Seniors often need more and costlier prescription drugs," she noted. "We want to help them understand such issues as what to ask their physicians about prescriptions, why generics are substituted for name brands and what choices they have for obtaining prescription drug coverage."

Healthcare 101 will be launched to the public next year when funding is completed and the educational outreach program is fully developed. The campaign is expected to include consumer and physician educational materials, mass broadcast and print media, Web site programming and other communications channels. It will be aimed at Medicare recipients, their providers and their families, whether they are fee-for-service or managed care patients.

The early research and development phases of the program were funded by a major grant from The California Wellness Foundation. Additional funding is needed from corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving health care for consumers.

"Managed care confuses many consumers, leaving them uncertain about how to choose a health plan and then use it effectively," Stone said. "We hope this program will give seniors, and ultimately all California consumers, the understanding they need to easily access quality health care."

About California Health Decisions

California Health Decisions is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to putting the consumer at the heart of the healthcare system. It was co-founded in 1985 by Severoni, R.N., now CHD president, and Corrine Bayley, now a member of the board of directors. For more information about California Health Decisions or its programs, call 714/647-4921, or visit its Web site at www.cahd.org.