Consumer Driven Health Plans
Running head: THE DOWNFALLS OF CONSUMER-DRIVEN HEALTH PLANS
The Downfalls of Consumer-Driven Health Plans
Jamiee Coates
Professor Rhonda Bunce
July 27, 2008
Abstract
Healthcare today is a very important issue. Lack of health insurance can affect the health and productivity of workers. Many people today do not have health insurance. Employment-based health insurance is in high demand to retain employees. The high healthcare costs make it hard for employers to offer employees quality health plans. The premiums for employers are increasing so they are forced to opt for cost-saving health insurance plans. Consumer-driven health plans are on the rise and have become an option for many employers.
The Downfalls of Consumer-Driven Health Plans
“Members of consumer-driven health plans choosing less care” was the reviewed article. Millions of consumers are uninsured or underinsured because of rising medical costs. Even the consumers with health insurance are struggling due to the elevated prices of medical care. Skyrocketing health care costs are making it difficult for employers to provide health insurance to employees. Consumer-driven health care plans are being offered more by employers. Consumer-driven plans can help employer’s lower premiums but patients are not seeking medical care because they are trying to save money. Consumer-driven health care plans have been around since the year 2000 as a tool to control the rising health care costs. (Greene, 2008) Consumer-driven health care plans focus on consumers becoming educated and empowered by allowing them to make choices about how their healthcare funds are spent. The plans tend to favor the wealthy consumers while the poor consumers are left with a financial burden. Most plans offer a high deductible, which leaves the employee to pay for medical services out of pocket before any coverage kicks in. The employees with higher incomes normally choose a plan that has
The Downfalls of Consumer-Driven Health Plans
Jamiee Coates
Professor Rhonda Bunce
July 27, 2008
Abstract
Healthcare today is a very important issue. Lack of health insurance can affect the health and productivity of workers. Many people today do not have health insurance. Employment-based health insurance is in high demand to retain employees. The high healthcare costs make it hard for employers to offer employees quality health plans. The premiums for employers are increasing so they are forced to opt for cost-saving health insurance plans. Consumer-driven health plans are on the rise and have become an option for many employers.
The Downfalls of Consumer-Driven Health Plans
“Members of consumer-driven health plans choosing less care” was the reviewed article. Millions of consumers are uninsured or underinsured because of rising medical costs. Even the consumers with health insurance are struggling due to the elevated prices of medical care. Skyrocketing health care costs are making it difficult for employers to provide health insurance to employees. Consumer-driven health care plans are being offered more by employers. Consumer-driven plans can help employer’s lower premiums but patients are not seeking medical care because they are trying to save money. Consumer-driven health care plans have been around since the year 2000 as a tool to control the rising health care costs. (Greene, 2008) Consumer-driven health care plans focus on consumers becoming educated and empowered by allowing them to make choices about how their healthcare funds are spent. The plans tend to favor the wealthy consumers while the poor consumers are left with a financial burden. Most plans offer a high deductible, which leaves the employee to pay for medical services out of pocket before any coverage kicks in. The employees with higher incomes normally choose a plan that has
References: Contribution to HSAs. (n.d.). Retrieved July, 2008, from Sterling HSA Web site: http://www.sterlinghsa.com/AboutHSAs/faqs.php?mode=section&s=3 Greene, J. (2008, July). Members of Consumer-Driven Health Plans Choosing Less Care. Retrieved July 27, 2008, from Medical News Today Web site: http://www.medical.news.today.com Wolper, J. (2007, September 3). 47 Million Americans Living Without Health Insurance. Retrieved July, 2008, from EFluxMedia Web site: http://out_Health_Insurance_08270.html Wolper, J. (2007, September 3). 47 Million Americans Living Without Health Insurance. Retrieved July 27, 2008, from EFluxMedia Web site: http://out_Health_Insurance_08270.html