The report saw a “more permanent shift in consumer behavior” that will “continue to constrain health-care demand.” In addition to high deductibles, health insurers are imposing disincentives for treatments that cannot show inarguably better outcomes.
On the other hand, Moody’s noted that as the economy improves, more jobs will open up that provide health insurance; people who have been putting off care will finally have to seek it out; people who are aging will need more care; and the healthcare reform law will expand coverage as long as the mandate to buy health insurance survives legal challenges.
Read the Wall Street Journal Health Blog on volume of services.
Read more coverage on Moody’s predictions on demand for healthcare services:
– Moody’s: Negative Outlook for Non-Profit Hospitals for Next 12-18 Months
– Moody’s: Despite Financial Improvements in 2009, Outlook for Non-Profit Hospitals Remains Negative
– Moody’s Says FY 2011 Medicare Cuts Will Hurt Non-Profit Hospitals
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