A flexible spending account is a type of:

A flexible spending account (FSA) falls under the category of consumer-directed health plans because it is designed to give individuals more control over their healthcare expenditures. FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses, thereby reducing their taxable income and increasing their disposable income for healthcare purposes. This feature empowers consumers to take charge of their healthcare spending and budgeting.

Consumer-directed health plans, which include HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and FSAs, encourage individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare services by providing them with greater financial responsibility. This promotes not only a more proactive approach to managing healthcare expenses but also often leads to more cost-conscious decisions regarding healthcare services and providers.

While the other options represent different types of health insurance plans or arrangements, they do not encompass the concept of giving individuals control over their healthcare spending in the same manner that a flexible spending account does.