Consumer-Directed Health Plans

More employers are offering high-deductible health insurance plans that require consumers to spend thousands of dollars of their own money before most coverage kicks in. The idea is to cut spending by encouraging consumers to think about cost and seek only the care they really need. The plans are usually paired with health savings accounts that allow consumers -- or employers on behalf of their workers -- to set aside money tax-free for medical expenses. Here is a look at elements of a typical consumer-directed plan: