title: Defined contribution: a part of our future.
abstract: Rising employer health care costs and consumer backlash against managed care are trends fostering the development of defined contribution plans. Defined contribution plans limit employer responsibility to a fixed financial contribution rather than a benefit program and dramatically increase consumer responsibility for health care decision making. Possible outcomes of widespread adoption of defined contribution plans are presented.
authors.affiliation: 3 Parklane Boulevard, Suite 1212 West, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA. rbaugh@qualityhealthcareproviders.com
authors.forename: Reginald F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Baugh
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003363:Cost Control; D017047:Cost Sharing; D017049:Employer Health Costs; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States