Adults enrolled in a consumer-driven health plan are more likely than those in a traditional plan to be engaged and cost conscious about their healthcare, according to findings from a 2014 Employee Benefit Research Institute study.
According to the study, 15 percent of the privately insured population, or 26 million Americans, are enrolled in a CDHP, 11 percent are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan and 74 percent are enrolled in more traditional coverage. Of those enrolled in CDHPs, 57 percent had a health savings account or health reimbursement arrangement and 43 percent were enrolled in in HAS-eligible health plans but had not opened an account.
The study found individuals enrolled in a CDHP and HDHP were more likely to:
- Check whether the plan would cover care
- Check the price of care before receiving it
- Ask for generic drugs over brand names
- Initiate conversations with physicians regarding prescription options and costs
- Develop a budget to manage healthcare spending
- Use an online cost tracking tool provided by the health plan
Those enrolled in a CDHP were also more likely to be engaged in their choice of health plan — specifically by attending meetings where health plan choices are explained — than people enrolled in traditional plans, according to the study. CDHP enrollees were also more likely to consult their employer's human resources staff and insurance brokers about health plan choices.
According to the study, CDHP enrollees were also more likely to use various wellness programs, such as health-risk assessments, health-promotion programs and biometric screenings. Financial incentives mattered more to CDHP enrollees than to traditional plan enrollees.