Consumer-directed health care: early evidence about effects on cost and quality.
Demand for consumer-directed health care (CDHC) is growing among purchasers of care, and early evidence about its effects is beginning to emerge. Studies to date are consistent with effects predicted by earlier literature: There is evidence of modest favorable health selection and early reports that consumer-directed plans are associated with both lower costs and lower cost increases. The early effects of CDHC on quality are mixed, with evidence of both appropriate and inappropriate changes in care use. Greater information about prices, quality, and treatment choices will be critical if CDHC is to achieve its goals.
Buntin
Melinda Beeuwkes
MB
RAND, Arlington, Virginia, USA. buntin@rand.org
Damberg
Cheryl
C
Haviland
Amelia
A
Kapur
Kanika
K
Lurie
Nicole
N
McDevitt
Roland
R
Marquis
M Susan
MS
D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000191:economics*; D003669:Deductibles and Coinsurance; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D018166:Health Care Reform; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D015273:Insurance Selection Bias; D020402:Medical Savings Accounts / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010358:Patient Participation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States