Evidence that value-based insurance can be effective

Health Aff (Millwood). 2010 Mar-Apr;29(3):530-6. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0119. Epub 2010 Jan 21.

Abstract

Value-based insurance design reduces patient copayments to encourage the use of health care services of high clinical value. As employers face constant pressure to control health care costs, this type of coverage has received much attention as a cost-savings device. This paper's examination of one value-based insurance design program found that the program led to reduced use of nondrug health care services, offsetting the costs associated with additional use of drugs encouraged by the program. The findings suggest that value-based insurance design programs do not increase total systemwide medical spending.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease / drug therapy
  • Cost Sharing
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Deductibles and Coinsurance*
  • Evidence-Based Practice*
  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / economics*
  • Health Care Costs*
  • Health Expenditures* / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Expenditures* / trends
  • Health Plan Implementation*
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Prescription Drugs / economics
  • Prescription Drugs / supply & distribution
  • Program Evaluation / economics*
  • Reimbursement Mechanisms
  • United States

Substances

  • Prescription Drugs