Consumer-driven health care targets prioritization of patients’ interests in the provision of health services. In economic theory, a consumer-driven system refers to the strong connection between the economy and consumption over production. In healthcare, a consumer-driven system implies patients’ power in decision-making regarding health services by allowing employers and employees to save pretax funds for coverage of medical expenses. Consumer-driven health care can present an alternative to governmentally controlled healthcare systems by providing more opportunities for competition between healthcare providers. Increased competition can positively influence the quality of health services and reduce their prices, resulting in several benefits for consumers. Considering the fact that healthcare delivery in the U.S. faces critical conditions in the overvaluation of innovations and ineffective cost management, consumer-driven health care can play an important role in maintaining the balance of the market (Numerof, 2023). However, some specialists suggest that consumer-driven health care can negatively affect patients.
For example, patients can skin essential preventive services or even delay services until the required amount is accumulated in their savings account. Thus, the use of consumer-driven health plans can interfere with governmental activities and policies aimed at the prevention of important health issues. Furthermore, postponing essential services can have a significant adverse effect on a patient’s health status. Moreover, patients may face challenges in finding information about specific health services costs, reducing the power of patients’ autonomy in decision-making. However, according to AHIP (2022), the application of telehealth technology supported by the transparency of consumer-directed health plans during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced barriers to mental and physical health services. Therefore, consumer-directed health care can be more effective than standard insurance plans in reducing the barriers to health services.
References
AHIP. (2022). New study: Consumer-directed health plans broke down barriers to physical and mental health care during Covid-19 pandemic. Web.
Numerof, R. (2023). U.S. healthcare delivery is in critical condition but failure is not an option. What’s next? Forbes. Web.