Why Has the Adoption of Consumer-Driven Healthcare Lagged Behind?
During the last decade, costs have doubled for employers when providing health benefits to their employees. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics* reported that private employers’ average cost per employee per hour has risen from $1.03 in 1999 to $2.00 in 2009. Employee healthcare costs have increased by 32-35 percent for single and family coverage between 2004 and 2009. Short of discontinuing coverage options, or opting out completely, there have been few ways to escape rising costs. In the wake of these industry shifts, consumer-driven health plans (CDHP) have gained popularity as a lower-cost option due to their higher deductibles and lower premiums.