Mythbusters: the facts are in about consumer-driven health plans

Do consumer-driven health (CDH) plans have the potential to help create a more affordable, sustainable (i.e., multiyear), high-quality health care system? Or do they merely shift costs and cause individuals to forgo care? For the past four years, CIGNA has compared actual claims data of individuals covered in its CDH plans with those of its traditional health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, among the same employers. The results consistently show that properly designed CDH plans deliver lower medical and pharmacy costs without sacrificing care or shifting costs. And CDH plans, if designed properly, increase preventive care and, on average, individuals tend to receive a higher level of care while costs are reduced. If health care reform goals are to be achieved, well-designed CDH plans should play a significant role.