Which plan is often referred to as a 'consumer-directed plan'?

• A. Tricare
• B. A high deductible plan
• C. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• D. A point-of-service plan

Answer: (B)

Consumer-directed plans are designed to give enrollees more control over health care spending by pairing high deductibles with accounts that help save for medical costs. With a higher amount paid out-of-pocket before coverage begins, individuals are encouraged to shop for care, compare prices, and make cost-conscious decisions. These plans typically come with lower monthly premiums and often allow contributing tax-advantaged funds to a health savings account. Because of this setup—more responsibility for spending and greater flexibility in using funds—the plan most commonly described as consumer-directed is the high deductible plan. Other options represent different health system structures (military coverage, managed care with gatekeeping, or hybrid networks) and aren’t specifically labeled as consumer-directed.