Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Survey Shows Consumer Driven Health Plan Enrollees Are Taking More Control of Their ...( WASHINGTON Sept. 28 -- Participa...),Health

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Participants enrolled in consumer directed health plan (CDHP) offerings are more engaged in wellness programs and are more likely to plan and save for healthcare expenses than those in traditional healthcare coverage, according to new survey findings released today by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

The BCBSA 2007 CDHP Member Experience Survey found that consumers eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs) were 17 percent more likely to participate in an exercise program than those enrolled in non-CDHP products. These consumers were also more likely to engage in the following wellness programs: smoking cessation (20 percent vs. 6 percent), stress management (22 percent vs. 8 percent), and nutrition and diet programs (27 percent vs. 12 percent). Furthermore, HSA-eligible consumers participating in these programs were more likely to see positive results.

Additionally, the survey found 63 percent of consumers eligible for an HSA, tracked their healthcare expenses and 47 percent are currently saving for future health expenses. In contrast, only 43 percent of non-CDHP consumers track healthcare expenses while 18 percent save for their future healthcare expenditures. HSA-eligible consumers also are more likely to seek information about insurance as well as about provider (doctor and hospital) costs and quality.

"These findings show us that CDHPs are beginning to deliver on their promise," said Jennifer Vachon, executive director, marketing and consulting services group, BCBSA. "Our survey shows that CDHPs empower consumers and help them become more engaged in their healthcare decisions." Vachon presented the findings today at the National Consumer-Driven Healthcare Summit in Washington, D.C.

The CDHP Member Experience Survey was conducted by Knowledge Networks for BCBSA in August 2007. CDHP participants are defined as consumers enrolled in HSA-eligible health plans. The sur
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