There are many considerations that go into constructing a CDHC benefits offering:

• The overall health of your group
  • Healthy members benefit from a plan with lower premiums, while heavy utilizers benefit from the ability to meet a CDHP out-of-pocket maximum without having to pay a lot of copays.
  • It is very important that you provide an employer-funded financial arrangement to help cover some of the higher out-of-pocket expenses.

• Employer vs. employee contributions
  • Encourage employees to contribute to their financial arrangement, when applicable.
  • However, it is important that you not leave the entire burden of health care financing up to the employee. Use the amount you are saving in premiums to contribute to your employees' accounts.

• Number of plan choices
  • Take advantage of every opportunity to provide your employees with a diverse range of plan options.
  • Consider offering a CDHC plan along with a traditional PPO plan so employees can choose the best plan to meet their needs, and budget.