Article at a glance:

What employees think about consumer-directed health plans

• A survey of US health care consumers indicates that consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) encourage consumers to be more value conscious. The plans may even promote behavior that leads to better long-term health.
• Still, a majority of respondents say they need more information to make purchasing decisions, and some fear the possibility of greater financial risk.
• Employers, health providers, and insurers must rise to these challenges by providing patients with better, more accurate information and by educating consumers.