ContactAaron Dobosenski[email protected](703) 838-0033, ext. 380

31 July 2014

AMGA Survey Reveals High Deductible and “Consumer-Driven” Health Plan Options Continue to Grow within Physician Benefit Plan DesignAmerican Medical Group Association and AMGA Consulting Services Provider Benefits Survey Examines Full Range of Benefits and Perquisites

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Findings just released in the 2014 AMGA Provider Benefits Survey highlight the continuing trend toward consumer accountability through the prevalence of high-deductible (HDHP) and consumer-driven health plans (CDHP) for medical groups. The report details survey research conducted by the American Medical Group Association’s subsidiary AMGA Consulting Services, LLC. The survey revealed that HDHPs along with CDHPs made up more than 1/3 of health plans analyzed and were as prevalent as PPOs. These plan types dwarfed HMOs, which made up only about 10% of analyzed plans.

The survey shows monthly HDHP and CDHP premiums are, on average, 80-85% of the premium of PPO plans. Medical groups also cover a slightly larger percent of the premium of HDHPs. Many groups with HDHPs include healthcare savings accounts with tax incentives or employer-funded reimbursement accounts for routine care. The yearly deductible for HDHPs is, on average, more than 4 times the deductible of PPO and HMO plans, exemplifying coverage focus on catastrophic illness.

The increasing prevalence of high deductible plans generally shows the desire of payers to hold consumers accountable for utilization and reduce unnecessary care. However, a lack of transparency of price and quality impacts consumer ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare resulting in consternation that reduction in needed care could counteract any gains made. Over 70% of the health plans analyzed within the survey were self-funded.

“AMGA members and healthcare organizations nationwide compete for talent on a daily basis,” said Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., CAE, AMGA president and chief executive officer. “Benefit plans, as an element of compensation, are integral to recruit and retain high-quality providers. AMGA’s Provider Benefits Survey can supply organizations with the information they need to design competitive plans and foster informed decision making.”

Over 40 health systems, hospitals and physician group practices from 23 states participated in the survey. Benefits data represent more than 16,000 physicians across specialties. In addition to health insurance, the full spectrum of physician benefits and perquisites are assessed in the survey report including disability coverage, retirement plan contributions and vacation/time-off practices. The 2014 Provider Benefits Survey is now available for purchase.

About American Medical Group AssociationThe American Medical Group Association (AMGA) represents medical groups and organized systems of care, including some of the nation's largest, most prestigious integrated health care delivery systems. More than 150,000 physicians practice in AMGA member organizations, providing health care services for 120 million patients (nearly one in three Americans). Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, AMGA is the strategic partner for these organizations, providing a comprehensive package of benefits, including political advocacy, educational and networking programs, publications, benchmarking data services and financial and operations assistance. For more information, visit www.amga.org or call (703) 838-0033.