What is one goal of Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHPs)?

One of the primary goals of Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHPs) is to shift financial responsibility from insurers to consumers. This approach encourages individuals to become more engaged in their healthcare decisions by making them more aware of the cost of services and the importance of budgeting for their healthcare expenses. By giving consumers more financial responsibility, CDHPs aim to foster a sense of ownership over healthcare choices, which can lead to more informed decision-making and potentially lower overall healthcare costs.

This model often includes high-deductible health plans combined with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), allowing consumers to save money tax-free for medical expenses. As individuals take on more of the cost burden, they may become more discerning about healthcare utilization, shopping for services, and making choices based on value rather than just access. This shift can lead to greater cost transparency in healthcare and ultimately enhance the efficiency of the system.

Other options, such as eliminating all insurance premiums or providing no deductibles for all services, do not align with the foundational principles of CDHPs, which aim to balance the cost-sharing between insurance providers and consumers. Additionally, preventing patients from making health choices contradicts the overall objective of CDHPs to empower individuals in