Consumer-driven healthcare: what is it?

Consumer-driven health plans continue to emerge and grow across the country. The intent of these plans is to increase patient control and thus the free-market variables, increasing competition and quality, with a side effect of better patient health through improved service, improved patient self-management of regimens, and overall health awareness. Healthcare costs will be lower overall as a result. But more action is required from providers, patients, and payers alike when dealing with these plans. The products and benefits are not always understood, and the education to make the system work is lacking.