NU Online News Service, Feb. 24, 2:55 p.m. – Only 14% of California residents have some knowledge of the new "defined-contribution" or "consumer-directed" health plans, according to results of a survey by California Health Decisions, Orange, Calif.
Researchers commissioned by the nonprofit group found that 46% of the 800 California residents surveyed found the idea of the plans "very" or "somewhat" appealing, and that 46% found the idea "not too" or "not at all" appealing.
The typical defined-contribution health plan combines high-deductible health insurance with Web-based consumer information and personal accounts that plan participants can use to cover the cost of routine medical expenses.
