Physicians seek greater freedom to practice medicine without some of the cost constraints they currently face. Employers want an end to rising health care costs and relief from the administrative burden of negotiating with health plans every year. Employer-defined contribution plans are emerging with significant momentum, providing impetus for many of the changes occurring in the marketplace. Customized personal funding of health care is slowly replacing aggregate health care funding in many companies. The Personal Care Account, similar to a medical checking account where consumers can choose how to spend their health care dollars, provides coverage for routine health care expenses.
Consumers select providers and care options, including complementary medicine.
Funds in the account at the end of the year can be rolled over for future health care needs. Inc. Under the Vivius plan, which will be tested in Minneapolis and Kansas City this fall, consumers choose the physicians and hospitals that meet their needs and their budgets. These fees may differ for men, women and children in a variety of age categories. No one needs to give approval for medical care. The complete decision-making process is between physician and patient.