Engaging and Empowering Consumers

It is more important today than ever before for consumers to be engaged and empowered in dealing with healthcare costs and information — just as they are when it comes to housing, food, transportation and other important consumer issues.

The Blues and other healthcare companies have launched a number of initiatives to help individual consumers become better healthcare decision-makers such as offering more quality and cost information. There are also more health and wellness programs being offered to consumers — including many that provide incentives to promote healthy lifestyles.

Consumer engagement is especially important for those choosing to participate in consumer driven health plans with savings options and savings accounts (e.g., Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)). Individuals enrolled in consumer directed health plans are more likely to take advantage of programs offered by healthcare organizations than those enrolled in traditional health plans.

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