According to a nationwide survey by Mercer Health & Benefits, more employers are using consumer-driven health plans -- such as low-premium, high-deductible plans with health savings accounts -- and disease prevention programs as cost-management strategies. Six percent of employers offered consumer-driven plans in 2006, three times the percentage in 2005, the survey found. An additional 14% of employers said they plan to offer consumer-driven plans in 2007.

Employers preferred HSAs to health reimbursement accounts, which require an employer contribution. Six in 10 small employers offered a consumer-driven plan as their only insurance option, compared with one in 10 large employers. Small employers are showing a clear preference for HSAs, which don't require an employer contribution to the account. About one-quarter of employers offered preventive screenings in 2006. Among large employers, the percentage who offered preventive screenings has nearly doubled in the last three years.

(Los Angeles Times, 11/20).