Enrollment in consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) grew 19% in 2012, according to a Mercer survey commissioned by the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations. The survey reveals the following:
• 36% of large employers (500 of more employees) offered CDHPs in 2012, up from 32% from the year before.
• 22% of small employers (under 499 employees) offered employees a CDHP option, up from 20% in 2011.
• 59% of the nation’s largest employers (20,000+ employees) offered CDHPs in 2012, up from 48% the year before. Additionally, 62% of these employers expect to offer CDHPs in 2013 and 68% by 2018.
Sixteen percent of all employees with employer-sponsored plans chose CDHPs in 2012 – showing a larger enrollment growth than any other type of insurance plan. This trend corresponds with a slight, but steady decline in HMOs over that same period.
Karen Greenrose, AAPPO president and CEO said, “It’s clear that employers – especially our largest ones – are increasingly looking to…consumer-driven health plans, which are predominantly built on well-established PPO networks, offer affordability, choice, access, and stability that employers and consumers are looking for in this uncertain environment.”
Last year’s increase continues a steady growth trend that started in 2008 (7% increase) and continued through 2011 (13% increase). That trend is likely to continue in the near future as well, with 40% of employers of all sizes expecting to offer a CDHP in the next five years. For more information, visitwww.aappo.org
