Tools
"Consumer-driven health care" is designed to get employees to be smart health care shoppers who can save money at the same time. Health Savings Accounts are the most familiar form so far, but companies are creating a host of ways to shift the cost of health care while encouraging employees to live healthy lifestyles.
Go to story Document A time to choose

Consumer-driven health care's premise is based on the idea that if employees have more responsibility for health care decisions, they can bring down costs by making better choices.

Go to story Document Learning the language of health care

Words like co-insurance and health reimbursement accounts have probably been creeping into your vocabulary. You're beginning to speak the language of consumer driven health care

Go to story Document A look at market-driven health care

At its best consumers could expect an unheard of level of customer service, running the gamut from expanded office hours to special treatment at the door.

Go to story Document Health savings accounts get the business

Consumer plans combine high deductible insurance with an employee-controlled Health Savings Account. Unions in particular say the approach is flawed.

Go to story Document A chronic problem

Does CDHC work for people who have chronic illnesses?

Go to story Document Banking on health care

For banks and insurance companies, Health Savings Accounts could be a lucrative new area of business.

Go to story Document What's next?

Here's a look at the future of consumer-driven health care.

Tell Us Your Story
What experiences have you had taking charge of your health care? Please share your story with Minnesota Public Radio News.
Read what others have to say.


Audio

Audio How HSAs work
(Midmorning 1/18/06)

Audio One nation, uninsured (Morning Edition 1/23/06)


Resources

Document Links and resources about consumer-driven health care.


Credits

Editor: Kate Smith
Online Editor: Bob Collins
Researcher: Betsy Cole
Matchmaker: Andrew Haeg
News Director: Bill Wareham