title: The power of integrating consumerism and wellness.
abstract: One aspect in our troubling economy that seems to be flourishing is the growing number of employers implementing consumer-driven health (CDH) plans and wellness programs. This article describes the primary areas of participant behavior that consumerism seeks to change and the fundamental factors a "consumer-focused" health care strategy must include. The authors outline issues employers must address when designing a successful incentive program and its accompanying communications strategy. A case study of a company that has a 70% enrollment rate in its CDH plans shows how an integrated consumerism and wellness strategy can slow the rate of health care cost increases for both the employee and employer.
authors.affiliation: Aon Consulting's Health and Benefits Practice, Tampa, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: C Sharon
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: William
authors.forename: Linh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tacker
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States