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Consumer-Directed Health Plans

Consumer-Directed Health Plans have been emerging over the course of the last few years with increasing support from Congress and the Internal Revenue Service, coupled with increased interest from employers. 

Health care costs for employers have increased 16% over the last three years, and, at current trend, a 1,000 employee company can expect to spend between $35 and $50 million on health benefits in the next five.  Increasingly, the market is turning to Consumer-Directed Health Care programs as a solution to employer concerns with quality and perpetual cost increases.  Consumer-Directed plans are designed to enable employers and consumers to leverage tax-advantaged funds, with adequate information and choice with respect to benefits, care, and funding.  Our plans, which include Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and Flexible Spending Accounts are designed to give our members financial control over their health care funds, and put aspects of health care decision-making back in the hands of the actual consumers of health care.

Since the inception of the Consumer-Directed model, Meritain Health has been and continues to be an industry leader in this growing market segment with a distinct competitive advantage in the Consumer-Directed Health Care space.  As the operational office for Definity Health beginning in 2002, and ending just prior to their sale to United Health Group, we gained valuable experience in servicing the unique needs of employers and employees in these programs.  Over the years, we have learned that education and communication are two key components of a successful Consumer-Directed program.  With our full suite of educational materials, we stand ready to assist our customers when they choose to offer a Consumer-Directed Plan by providing:

• Web based tutorials - both pre and post enrollment - to inform members about the basic components of the plan
• A member handbook to serve as a reference for employees
• Monthly newsletters and other ongoing communications to help employees maximize their plan and control their own health care costs
• Special educational sessions for employers