A recent study shows that health care consumers who choose high deductible health insurance plans are more likely to control their health care spending and take better care of their health. In general, high deductible health plans feature low premiums, high deductibles, and an increased focus on health education and prevention.

The study was done by Independence Blue Cross (IBC), a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Back in 2007, IBC formed the Office of Consumerism, which is dedicated to developing the company’s consumerism strategies. “Consumerism” refers to how consumers feel about taking an active role in their health care. IBC wanted to investigate two major things: the actual consumerism of health care consumers, and whether their behaviors actually backed up their beliefs.

Independence Blue Cross conducted two consumerism studies online through DSS Research, a national research firm out of Texas. The Consumerism Study interviewed several thousand southeastern Pennsylvania residents in August 2008 who were insured by either IBC or another health insurance carrier. Then, in November of 2008, another study was conducted among 225 employer organizations in the Philadelphia area. Each employer had at least 100 employees who participated in their group health insurance plan.

Fortunately, the study found mostly positive results:

Our research concludes that people are beginning to understand the importance of choosing healthier lifestyles, asking their physicians moer questions about treatment options, and proactively making the right decision for their wellness. The role of the health care consumer has become more and more prominent.

- Dr. Esther Nash, Senior Medical Director and Co-Chair for the Office of Consumerism at IBC

Study Results:

• Consumers in high deductible health plans (HDHP) seem to be more engaged in making health care decisions, especially when it comes to managing a chronic condition. 57% of HDHP members with chronic conditions say they are actively involved in treatment decisions, while only 37% of members in other health insurance plans.

• HDHP members are more likely to make health care decisions based on cost. For example, they are more likely to use a primary care physician over a specialist, or change the location where they get medical tests done, if it means the price will be lower. Also, they tend to opt for generic drugs over a brand name prescription drug.

• The demand for high deductible plans is actually growing quite significantly. In the Philadelphia market alone, IBC found a 109% increase in HDHP enrollment in 2008. Employers are starting to offer HDHP plans more regularly to their employees, in an effort to not only save money on health insurance costs, but also to encourage their employees to adopt healthier habits.

• More employees are offering wellness programs, and more employees are participating. Half of the employees surveyed in the study either currently enforce, or plan to initiate an employee wellness program. These wellness programs typically reward employees for making healthy decisions and maintaining set standards of good health. Over 65% of employees surveyed said they would be likely to participate in these incentive programs.

• Health insurance plans promote good health. Most consumers surveyed felt that their health plans sincerely wanted to help them improve or maintain their health. Among IBC members, 81% of policy holders felt encouraged by IBC to maintain good health. They credited IBC’s coverage for preventive care and wellness programs as incentives to exercise, lose weight, or quit smoking.

For more information, see the full press release: Study Shows Consumers With High Deductible Helath Plans Are More Savvy About Controlling Costs.