How valid are the assumptions underlying consumer-driven health plans?

Abstract

Key findings: (1) While consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs) do encourage information seeking behavior, these plans attract individuals who are already activated consumers. (2) The financial incentives inherent in CDHPs cause consumers to decrease utilization of both high and low priority services.(3) Individuals enrolled in high-deductible CDHPs are most likely to discontinue lipid lowering and antihypertensive drugs after enrolling in a CDHP.(4) There is no significant difference in initiation of generic drug use across health plans, with the exception of antidepressants.