CDHPs and HSAs: Some spend more and some spend less

Health Affairs published yesterday (see the Health Affairs blog post) a RAND meta-analysis with an unsurprising conclusion: some folks with high-deductible consumer-directed health plans (usually paired with health savings accounts, or HSAs) use less care, and some use more.  There are those who are affected more by the out-of-pocket expenses, and may defer care.  There are those who can more easily afford care (and are often the healthiest cohort).  That population is best served by the combination of high-deductible CDHP and HSA. 

The Washington Post article discussing the study presents a succinct summary of the issues and a detailed snapshot of the current CDHP and HSA landscape.

— David Harlow