How Gen Z Can Remove Stress From Healthcare

Generation Z is made up of young people just coming into adulthood. As they do, they bring with them a unique set of defining expectations and traits.

Gen Zers were the first to grow up as digital natives. They’re also the ones who saw their parents struggle financially during the Great Recession at the tail end of the 2000s. These experiences have molded them into a group of socially progressive yet fiscally prudent consumers who crave work-life balance and overall stability.

Another one of the most important characteristics of the Z Generation is the desire for tech independence and empowerment. And not just tech, but specific tech tools. One study found that three-quarters of Gen Zers are more comfortable on their phones than on other devices. Gen Z wants to navigate commercial transactions (healthcare included) via their phones and make informed decisions based on what they can access online through those devices. That’s a huge shift from Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers, all of whom are more apt to make a phone call to a healthcare provider than bypass human contact in favor of self-service.

All of this said, Gen Zers also want to reduce their stress levels when it comes to understanding health insurance coverage. Here’s how that can happen.

Easing the Burden of Stress 

Gen Z struggles with stress and mental health problems more than any other generation to date. According to an American Psychology Association survey, 7 in 10 individuals between the ages of 18 and 23 reported symptoms normally linked with clinical depression. That’s unusually high and shows how important mental healthcare will be as these young adults enter the professional world.

The good news? For Generation Z, mental health issues are worth seeking care. But unless Gen Zers find solid health insurance advice, they may not be able to pinpoint the right healthcare choices that will meet their individual needs. Worse, they might eschew healthcare altogether because it seems too confusing or costly.

Right now, about half of Gen Zers lack a primary care physician. This alarming statistic reveals just how important it is to help them answer their most critical healthcare questions so they can focus on living full, healthy lives.

Responding to Gen Z’s Health Insurance Questions

Here are a few of Gen Z’s most commonly asked healthcare and health insurance questions — and corresponding health insurance advice to help Gen Zers navigate their healthcare journies:

Question No. 1: What will I have to pay for health insurance and care?

If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. Consumers are confused by out-of-pocket costs in terms of premiums, treatments, consultations, procedures, diagnostics, and prescriptions. Digital tools like Health Karma can outline the true cost of healthcare and insurance, giving Gen Zers peace of mind when it comes to budgeting for the care they need.

Question No. 2: Does this health insurance have an app?

Gen Z wants to be able to interact with healthcare providers and health insurance organizations via online portals. Fortunately, many companies have revolutionized their mobile-friendly offerings, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This gives Gen Z healthcare consumers the ability to manage their healthcare needs conveniently and securely.

Question No. 3: What will my health insurance cover? Will it cover my need for "__________?"

Every person’s medical needs are one of a kind. Some people want robust prescription plans, and others might prefer a healthcare plan that covers most or all of their mental health treatments. It’s important for Gen Zers to work with their healthcare providers, benefits representatives, or human resources directors to understand the full extent of their coverage before signing onto any plan.

Questions No. 4: Is this a good health insurance package?

“Good” is an incredibly subjective term. Health Karma can help Gen Z consumers figure out what to look for in an insurance package and how to understand basic terminology with our beginner’s guide to understanding health insurance coverage. However, it’s still up to consumers to take the time to read more about healthcare in general.

Navigating the healthcare journey can be tough for anyone. Health Karma makes the process simpler and easier to understand. Gen Zers can conveniently and confidently search for cost-effective providers, pinpoint the services they need, and compare personalized cost estimates — all right from their phones using our tools. It’s the quickest, simplest way to take the stress out of the healthcare insurance process and puts control into this up-and-coming generation’s hands.

Empowered healthcare starts with powerful understanding. To start navigating your healthcare journey, visit us here. Talk soon!