The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) published a study examining the effect of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs) on beneficiary health spending and preventive care utilization.  Examining first-year claims data for individuals who switched to HDHPs or CDHPs, the authors found that those enrolled in plans with a deductible of at least $1,000 significantly reduced their health care costs.  However, the study also found that beneficiaries in those plans reduced their preventive care utilization.  The authors conclude that additional research is needed to ensure that CDHPs and HDHPs are not reducing costs at the expense of beneficiary health.

Buntin, M., Haviland, A., McDevitt, R., and Sood, N.  Healthcare spending and preventive care in high-deductible and consumer-directed health plans.  American Journal of Managed Care, 17 (3): 222-230.  http://www.ajmc.com/login

Authors: Melinda Buntin, Amelia Haviland, Roland McDevitt, and Neeraj Sood.