Investigating the characteristics associated with individuals enrolled in consumer-directed health plans

Consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) are insurance options for employers offering benefits, and for individuals wanting more responsibility in their healthcare decision-making. These plans seek to control costs by shifting financial accountability from insurers to consumers. Consisting of a high-deductible health plan, a health savings account, and information tools, consumer-directed health plans attempt to promote greater value in health care spending. Data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey was used to identify the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with individuals choosing a CDHP. As hypothesized, a Chi-square analysis determined that educational attainment was associated with choosing a CDHP (χ2(9, N=1240) = 33.296, p=. 000). Statistical support was not found for annual income, self-reported health, and number of doctor visits. Limitations surrounding the sample size and working definition of a high deductible may have prohibited a more complete investigation; educational attainment is a key indicator of a more cost-conscious consumer