Consumer-Driven Healthcare:
Current Practices, Future Upgrades

Current participation rates in consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC) plans are low, but expectations are high. In 2005, about 2.4 million U.S. (nonfederal) workers were enrolled in a consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC) plan, a high-deductible plan tied to a health reimbursement account (HRA) or a health savings account (HSA). Although employers anticipate strong growth in such plans over the next few years, low selection rates by employees (when they have other options) remains a stumbling block. This report offers a snapshot of present-day practices and investigates tools for adoption and implementation, including how to address barriers to consumer understanding and preparing employees for change.