Will consumer-directed health care improve system performance?
Consumer-directed health care plans have attracted attention as a method for managing rising health care spending by giving consumers greater financial control over their health care. However, increased cost-sharing--the principal tool used by these plans to achieve lower spending--may also cause patients to consume less care, even when that care is essential. Research studies have found that lower-income individuals and those with serious health concerns will particularly be at risk, as these consumers bear the burden of higher out-of-pocket costs. Instead of focusing solely on financial incentives, the real goal should be to encourage quality and efficiency among health systems, physicians, and hospitals.
Karen
K
Davis
D003256:Community Participation / Q000191:economics*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D017047:Cost Sharing / Q000191:economics*; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000191:economics; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States