Research Shows Consumer-Directed Health Plans Encourage Preve...( WellPoint Institute of Health Care Kn...),Health

WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge Releases Study on the Value of

Consumer-Directed Health Plans

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study released by the WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge (Institute) today, researchers found consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) yield cost savings for employers. This second study released by the Institute, entitled, "Employers and Consumers Recognize Value of Consumer-Directed Health Plans," found members of CDHPs took advantage of the preventive benefits offered through these plans.

The majority of Americans currently receive their health insurance through their employer. As employers face increasing cost pressures, CDHP products are important tools for managing care and costs. This study revealed that employers who offered employees a CDHP in 2007 saw a slight decrease in their overall cost trend, while costs for other plan types continued to increase.

This study released by the Institute found that consumers enrolled in CDHPs used more preventive care services than those enrolled in non-CDHPs. The study was based on 7,977 employer groups in Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin.

"As this study shows, CDHPs are helping employers manage health care costs by promoting healthier behaviors and encouraging informed consumer decision- making," said Sam Nussbaum, Chief Medical Officer, WellPoint, Inc. "Additionally, when given a choice, many families are choosing these types of health benefits over more traditional benefits. These products are designed to provide the coverage and care consumers are looking for while helping maintain healthy lifestyles."

CDHPs encourage members to make more cost-effective decisions by increasing consumer engagement and emphasizing the importance of actively managing health care costs. While some critics have questioned whether CDHPs would result in decreased u
'/>"/>