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Americans in new "consumer-directed" health plans are less satisfied with them and more likely to delay or forgo care than people with regular insurance, says a new survey that could raise red flags for insurers and employers.
The plans, which combine high-deductible health insurance with tax-exempt savings accounts, have been promoted to employers as a way to control health care costs and make people savvier consumers of medical services.
But it also underscores questions about whether skimping on care by members will backfire, requiring more costly treatment down the road.
"You have the potential ... to impose a cost consciousness with a neutral or positive result, and also the potential for harm," said Robert Crane, senior vice president, research and policy development, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-healthplan1209.artdec09,0,1743192.story?coll=hc-headlines-business
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