Summary

The use of narrow provider networks in health insurance plans is a cost containment strategy that has gained popularity of late. Net-work design features differ among plans, but insurers generally seek to offer lower premiums by limiting the group of providers avail-able to plan enrollees. As interest in the use of narrow networks has increased, so have concerns about their effect on consumers ’ choices, costs, and access to care. With the growth of narrow network plans, it is important to understand the effectiveness of existing and emerg-ing network design strategies and the potential for policies to ensure consumer access to high-quality care. This brief summarizes key points from an expert panel Academy-Health convened in December 2014 to examine existing research on network design and use, to discuss the impact of narrow networks and tiered networks on consumers, to review policies and practices for ensuring that networks are adequate, and to identify areas fo