Consumer-driven health care: the future is now

Benefits Q. 2004;20(2):15-22.

Abstract

Given that managed care seems to have run its course, employers are forced to deal with escalating health care costs by reducing benefits and lowering pay--or are they? Why not bring the power of the responsible, informed consumer to health care? Consumer-driven health care offers a new, economically rational direction that can simultaneously address the needs of both employers and employees. This article reviews the factors leading to the need for consumer-driven health care and describes the characteristics and benefits of its current and next generations of development.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Consumer Behavior / economics*
  • Cost Sharing
  • Decision Making, Organizational
  • Employee Retirement Income Security Act
  • Employer Health Costs
  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / economics
  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / organization & administration*
  • Health Care Sector / trends
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Managed Care Programs / economics
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Dynamics
  • United States