Report: States, consumers take lead in '07

According to a newly-issued report, the brain trust at PriceWaterhouseCoopers expects 2007 to be a signal year in the healthcare history. Among other things, they say, it should be the point at which states begin to take a lead role in reform and consumer-driven health initiatives reach the tipping point. With federal regulators at a standstill, PwC expects to see states jump into controversial issues such as stem cell research, health insurance expansion and pharma promotions. States should also continue to promote transparency, though the programs are likely to remain inconsistent. Researchers also see next year as the acid test for CDHPs, with a "critical mass" of consumers enrolled in such plans. Other trends include significant price pressure on pharmaceuticals through generic introductions, a major focus on obesity reduction, and a newly retail-like feel to healthcare delivery as consumer-driven care matures.

For more information on this research:
- read the PwC release
- download the PwC report (.pdf)

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