Employees' choice of a health plan and their subsequent satisfaction

This article describes the reasons given by employees for choosing between an indemnification -type health insurance plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and a health maintenance organization (group health plan). A population of 1,003 matched pairs was determined and questionnaires were sent to 1,861 individuals remaining in the company, with a response rate of 74%. Many of the reasons listed as important for joining one or the other plan were alike for both groups. However, the members of the group health plan felt that preventive care and regular checkups were more important than did the Blue Cross/Blue Shield members. The latter group felt that free choice of physician was very important, whereas the subscribers to the group health plan did not place such importance on this factor. Both groups were satisfied with their care, although there were some expected differences.