title: Integration is key in consumer-centric approaches.
abstract: America is in the midst of a consumer revolution. Whereas consumers used to rely on experts to make decisions on their behalf, expertise mediated by technology is increasingly put in the hands of consumers so that they can take control of factors that influence their lives. It has become clear that there is value in a benefit design strategy that encourages consumers to take advantage of the information available to them and to take more control over their care. Benefit design that incorporates clinical evidence and thoughtful incentives for the consumer can be a strategy for achieving both clinical appropriateness and cost effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Humana Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, USA. jlord@humana.com
authors.forename: Jonathan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lord
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D015271:Insurance Pools; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States