A growing number of large employers are choosing consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs), according to a recent report.
Released by the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations (AAPPO), the analysis indicates enrollment increased 18 percent in 2011. The total number of enrollees surged from 28 million to 33 million as 13 percent of workers with employer-sponsored coverage chose CDHPs. The rate of growth was faster than that experienced by any other type of plan.
This trend of steady growth began in 2008 and is expected to continue, researchers say. The report estimates 48 percent of employers will offer a CDHP within five years. About one-third of organizations with 500 or more employees offered CDHPs in 2011, and the largest were more likely to do so. In contrast, about 20 percent of small employers selected CDHPs.
"Our stagnant economy combined with the uncertain fate of the Affordable Care Act has forced employers of all sizes to seek innovative ways to reduce what they spend to cover their employees," said AAPPO president and CEO Karen Greenrose.
CDHPs offer cost savings that employers find to appealing to ignore, Greenrose stated. As concern over employee benefit costs has continued to mount, that affordability may become even more enticing.
