The EBRI/Commonwealth Fund Consumerism in Health Care Survey is one of just a few sources of national data on the experiences of those enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). The survey report released by the Fund and the Employee Benefit Research Institute in December 2005 found that enrollees in such health plans, with or without HSAs, were less satisfied with their coverage than those with more comprehensive health insurance.⁽¹⁶⁾ The report, co-authored by the Fund's Collins and EBRI's Paul Fronstin, Ph.D., found that plan members, particularly those who had health problems or lower incomes, were also more likely to report avoiding or delaying needed care because of cost and had high out-of-pocket costs relative to their income.

Numerous media outlets, including the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, cited the survey report findings, and Fund president Karen Davis was invited to discuss consumer-driven health care on the "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer." The findings also informed congressional testimony on three occasions. In March 2006, the Fund's Collins testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health, in a hearing on transparency in health care.⁽¹⁷⁾ Collins also testified on HSAs before the House Ways and Means Committee in June, as well as before the Senate Finance Committee, Subcommittee on Health, in September.^(18) (19)

A follow-up survey and report by EBRI and The Commonwealth Fund, released in December 2006, found that enrollment in consumer-driven health plans is virtually unchanged since 2005.⁽²⁰⁾ Only 1 percent of the privately insured population ages 21 to 64 is currently enrolled in such a plan.

With Fund support, John Hsu, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente (KP) is assessing the impact of HDHPs on health service use, costs, and outcomes by examining KP health plan data and interviewing approximately 2,500 enrollees. This work will inform national policy as well as the design of health plan benefit packages within the private sector.