Consumer-Directed Health Programs

Manage Health Care Costs and Offer Value to Your Members

Effective health plan cost management occurs when not only the administrator and plan sponsor work to control health plan utilization and costs, but when members are engaged in that process.

Consumer-directed health programs (CDHP) are the next generation of managed health care plans. CDHPs take an active approach to engaging members in health care spending and health management, and ultimately support a healthier workforce and better management of health plan costs.

Employers can choose to introduce CDHP plans as a full replacement to the existing health benefits program, or can offer CDHP options alongside other managed care options, such as a PPO. Incentives can be designed to encourage members to participate and better manage their health.

Through our HealthAccount+ program, AmeriHealth Administrators provides a comprehensive selection of services that enable plan sponsors to tailor programs that best fit their corporate objectives and workforce needs. Key components of a successful CDHP plan include:

• a health plan:
  • PPO or HSA-compatible high deductible health plan (HDHP).
• health accounts:
  • medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA);
  • health reimbursement arrangements (HRA);
  • health savings account (HSA);
  • transit and parking accounts.
• health management services:
  • preventive care benefits;
  • wellness programs;
  • disease management;
  • health coaching.
• consumer decision support tools and resources.

Integrated Consumer Resources, Management Tools, and Administration

AmeriHealth Administrators simplifies program implementation through HealthAccount+ consumer­-directed solutions including:

• integrated administration of your customized benefits design — consumer­-directed accounts, medical program, and other components;
• management reports to monitor program performance that deliver concise detail and graphical views of plan activity.

And we make consumer-directed health programs easy and convenient for your participants:

• optional AmeriHealth+ debit card;
• HRA payments sent directly to networks providers with Explanations of Benefits sent to participants;
• direct deposit for faster FSA and HRA reimbursements and streamlined record­keeping;
• secure self-­service tools that empower participants to manage their choices;
• health resources, educational components, and communications that motivate participants to shop wisely and choose health care solutions with confidence.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are personal health accounts funded by the plan sponsor that engage members to participate in managing health plan dollars. HRAs can reduce the plan sponsor’s exposure to federal and state taxes. They can be designed to allow plan members to “bank” unused funds to cover future medical expenses. HRAs can be offered alongside flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Health Savings Accounts

A health savings account (HSA) must be offered in conjunction with an HSA-compatible high deductible health plan that complies with IRS guidelines. The HSA can be funded by the employer, employee, or both. For the member, an HSA offers the advantages of portability and investment options. The HSA is owned by the member and is portable if the member changes employers. Members can select a banking or investment option offered through the employer, or choose their own banking or investment arrangements.

AmeriHealth Administrators offers a preferred banking arrangement with The Bancorp Bank.