A Rational Approach to Consumer-Directed Health Care: Engaging Consumers and Providers in Controlling Health Care Costs

Abstract

A consumer-directed health (CDH) plan offering should reflect the company’s belief that involving members more closely in managing their health care will result in improved outcomes and lower costs. Core capabilities shouldbe designed to give members access to tools and information needed to help themmake informed decisions.Actuarial models will enable employers to evaluate the plans’ impact on cost sharing and overall benefit costs. The debut of additional consumerdirected pharmacy benefit options offersemployers the opportunity to reduce health care spending while providing their workforce and dependents with greater, more flexible control over prescription benefits. Consumer-oriented pharmacy programs leverage proven cost-containing management capabilities and support.Consumerism is taking a stronger hold in the marketplace, notonly with employers but also with providers who develop products and solutions.Innovative plan designs represent the transformational movement of products andservices that are becoming more employee centric.