SCHWARTZ HEALTHCARE-IT BLOG

CDHP Self Sabotage?

Like other past experiments in the world of managed care, the much-hyped consumer directed health plan (CDHP) and it many flavors could very well flame out due to lack of interest.  So says Towers Perrin in a recent survey.
 
Not surprisingly, the survey found that employees' views of CDHPs reflect how well their employers explain the plans, rather than the plans' specific features. In 2007, about 25 percent to 30 percent of companies offered employees a CDHP option; 2008 will see half of them offer a CDHP option.

Only 50 percent of those in CDHPs were satisfied with their coverage against the risk of major healthcare costs, versus 65 percent of those in traditional plans. Forty-four percent of those in CDHPs were satisfied that they had access to affordable healthcare, versus 63 percent in traditional plans. Forty-four percent of those in CDHPs felt they could find quality doctors and hospitals, versus 63 percent in traditional health plans.

How should you as a healthcare IT marketer respond?  I would highlight the benefits of your technology to enabling effective and intelligent use of CDHP. Play off the findings, illustrate how you address the perceived weaknesses of CDH. For example, if you are a decision support vendor, can you help educate consumers to the best choice of doctor, hospital or drug?  It will be a team effort on the part of payors, employers, providers and patients to truly make CDH a mainstream reality.

Posted by Shawn Whalen on June 12, 2007 at 11:34 AM
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