Patent ID: 7376574

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for using a computer apparatus for evaluating a plurality of plan design options that can be incorporated into a benefit plan offered to a given participant population by comparing the cost of providing each option to the benefits of each option perceived by a group of one or more subjects, the method comprising the steps of: inputting the identification of the plan design options, values for each of a plurality of statistical factors related to each plan design option, and the cost of providing each option into the computer apparatus, providing the subject group with information about each statistical factor and inquiries to elicit responses providing the relative weight of each statistical factor to be used in determining the perceived benefit of the plan design options, wherein the subject group is comprised of members of the participant population; inputting data representative of the subject group responses; calculating the average perceived benefit for each plan design option, wherein each subject's perceived benefit for each plan design option comprises the sum of the product of the relative weight accorded each statistical factor as defined by the subject's responses multiplied by the value of such statistical factor. dividing the cost of providing each option by the calculated average perceived benefit for such option; and outputting the calculated data.