We are seeing bloodless move from a small niche accomodating basically one group to the mainstream of health care. The effect of Consumer-Directed Health Plans on Jehovah's Witnesses may or may not be significant. They are already very involved in directing their care. When it comes to the general population seeking alternatives to blood transfusions the studies mentioned in the attached article seem to indicate better access to our programs.


Here's a quote from the attached article -

"One study found that patients in consumer-directed health plans were 20% more likely to comply with treatment regimens for chronic conditions."


Here's another - "

"Consumers are more attentive to cost control and to behavior changes that could result in better health outcomes and cost savings over the long term.

CDHC consumers were more likely to perform independent research to identify treatment options, for example, even when insurance was paying, and they were 20% more likely to comply with treatment regimens for chronic conditions."


Here's a link to an article explaining the topic of Consumer Directed Health Care.
http://www.galen.org/fileuploads/Consumerism.pdf


Here's the opening statements from the article -

"Consumerism is working in the health sector, with a number of studies showing that companies and individuals who move to Health Savings Accounts and similar plans experience lower costs while maintaining access to needed health care.


Health Savings Accounts are the newest entrants in the field of consumer-directed health care. HSAs were created as part of the Medicare Modernization Act and
became available January 1, 2004. They allow individuals, employers, or employees
to invest tax-free dollars in health accounts to pay for routine health care. The accounts
are accompanied by insurance policies to cover larger medical bills.


America’s Health Insurance Plans, which represents the country’s major insurers and
health plans, surveyed its members earlier this year and found that more than a million people were enrolled in HSAs as of March, 2005.


The study also found that 37 percent of those purchasing individual policies were
previously uninsured. While critics claim that HSAs will be attractive only to the young and healthy, studies have shown that 40 percent of HSA purchasers make less than $50,000 a year, a majority of purchasers are families with children, and about half are over age 40, showing they have broad appeal.


Consumerism in health care also has led to new incentives for people to be more engaged in managing their health. Many companies are instituting new programs to provide better coordinated care for those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes,
heart disease, and asthma. One study found that patients in consumer-directed health plans were 20% more likely to comply with treatment regimens for chronic conditions.


HSAs are only one example of a constellation of offerings that give consumers more power and control over health care decisions. Other consumer directed products, such as Health

Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), also are helping companies to lower their health
costs while providing incentives for employees to be more engaged in managing costs and care."

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email