Weighing the Risks of Consumer-Driven Health Plans for Families

In the last couple of years, in response to persistent double-digit premium inflation, new insurance products and spending accounts have been added to the mix of choices that are offered to families. The most popular of the new "consumer-driven" health options are high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) coupled with health savings accounts (HSAs). To many families, consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs) are attractive because premiums in HDHPs are typically lower than in preferred provider organization or health maintenance organization plans and money in tax-free HSAs can be accumulated over time. Here, McManus et al weigh the coverage, cost, quality, and practice management trade-offs that may result when families select CDHPs.