Consumerism—taking an active role in how one uses healthcare products and services—is a steadily growing trend. Research indicates that consumer-driven healthcare plans are projected to account for $40 billion in health and welfare premiums and equivalents this year—a three-fold increase over 2005. Why? These plans are less restrictive and more affordable than traditional managed care plans. They empower employees to better manage their healthcare by educating themselves about proposed services and procedures—exploring treatment options—before care is provided. This trend will lead to an improvement in quality of care, and in a world of double-digit premium increases, consumerism is also an effective way for employers to reduce both the present and future cost of their healthcare plans.

Before the 1980s, when deductibles were low and healthcare was more affordable, most employees had little reason to understand their coverage, search for quality providers or even compare treatments and services. As insurers consolidated and merged to raise the capital required to build larger managed-care systems, competition was reduced, resulting in healthcare spending that dramatically outpaced inflation. Lack of free-market competition led to huge cost increases in healthcare—and the role of consumers shrunk to little more than choosing an in-network provider and paying a nominal co-pay.

Now, the high price of healthcare has forced a shift to consumer-driven plans—which heralds a return of free-market forces to some of the most important, expensive decisions consumers can make: decisions about their healthcare treatment.

There is no quick fix. It requires a buy-in from all parties—carriers, consultants, employers and employees. A good place to start is by providing information. It is essential for employees to be able to understand the difference between quality and the cost of hospital and physician services, and treatment options. Then, integrating wellness, preventive and disease management programs, combined with nurse and advocacy hotlines will help employers make needed, informed choices; this education will help maximize their benefits while ultimately driving costs down.

MBS offers ways to make it easier for employers to embrace consumerism, promote it to their employees and save money in the process. We help CEOs and CFOs find the highest-quality, affordable benefits. We offer HR managers interactive tools and practical benefit-management resources to educate employees about the true cost of healthcare services and the importance of taking personal responsibility for their healthcare decisions. We provide health-advocacy services, with dedicated "health advocates" who act as a resource for employees seeking advice, and an Employee Advocate for those needing help resolving claim or administrative issues. And we provide technology that puts up-to-the-minute information about disease management and treatment at users' fingertips.

Consumerism means taking a proactive approach to healthcare and the future management of its costs. Ultimately, it will help those who become engaged to stay healthier longer—and more information and education will boost the quality of care, and leverage the market to reduce the trend and lower healthcare costs to a more reasonable and manageable level.