Some interesting stats from the big boys on how adoption of CDHP is going. The numbers are not staggering by any means, but it is reflective of the growing trend toward consumers having to take responsibility. The trend will only accelerate as employers shift to move consumer-centric plans.

Most of the larger companies we have spoken with have the PPO, HMO and now HSA plan options. However, as a bit of clarification, the HSA is generally just a type of PPO with a higher deductible. As companies look to shift to consumer-directed plans the pure PPO will eventually go away and become the HSA-PPO.

Plan design - or a steady reduction in the scope of benefits - has been the traditional approach to holding down healthcare costs. You may be old enough to remember having a dental plan, visions plan and behavioral health - all of which have been partial or total victims of the “plan design” cuts. Before long, we will be able to say, I remember when we used to have a PPO without a high-deductible. That day is just around the corner.