Which type of health care plan requires employees to be more responsible for health care decisions and cost sharing?

Consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) are designed to give employees more control over their health care choices and costs. These plans typically come with higher deductible amounts, which means that employees are required to pay a larger portion of their medical expenses out-of-pocket before their insurance benefits kick in. This structure encourages individuals to be more engaged and informed about their health care decisions, leading them to consider the cost of services and make choices that are financially beneficial.

Moreover, CDHPs often include integrated health reimbursement arrangements or health savings accounts, which allow employees to save money tax-free for medical expenses. This combination of features shifts more financial responsibility to employees, motivating them to seek high-quality and cost-effective health care solutions.

While other options might involve different aspects of health care financing or management, they do not specifically focus on the responsibility placed on employees regarding their health care decisions and cost sharing in the same way that CDHPs do. Therefore, the emphasis on consumer engagement and the active management of health care costs is what makes CDHPs distinct in requiring employees to be more responsive to their health care needs.