Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHPs) could become the most common plan type offered in the next three to five years, according to a study by Aon Hewitt. CDHPs are now the second most prevalent plan offered by employers after PPOs.
Fifty-six percent of employers offer CDHPs, and another 30% are considering offering one in the next three to five years. While 10% of employers offer CDHPs as the only plan option, another 44% are considering doing so in the next three to five years. In 2012, employers reported a cost trend of 4% for CDHPs compared to 6% for PPOs, 7% for HMOs, and 6% for exclusive provider networks.
Employers are using a variety of tactics to encourage enrollment, including subsidizing premiums at a higher level than they do for other plan options (44%), making the high-deductible plan the default plan option (22%), and covering preventive medicines before the deductible applies (44%).
A growing number of employers are considering offering voluntary benefits to address consumers’ fears that they will not be able to afford a catastrophic illness with a CDHP. While just 9% of employers offer voluntary benefits with a CDHP, another 44% are considering adding this type of coverage in the next three to five years.
Seventy-eight percent of CDHP consumers are satisfied with their plan and 89% say they will re-enroll, according to recent Aon Hewitt’s research. Sixty percent of employees who were enrolled in CDHPs say they have made positive health changes. Twenty-eight have gotten routine preventative care more often, 23% have sought lower-cost health care options, and 19% have researched health costs more frequently. For more information, visit www.aonhewitt.com.
