Stephen B. Soumerai, ScD

High-deductible health plan members had sustained reductions in emergency department visits over 2 years but initial reductions in hospital utilization and costs were not sustained.

High-deductible benefit design was associated with increased out-of-pocket costs for maternity care, but had no adverse impacts on receipt of recommended prenatal and postpartum care.

High-deductible benefit design was associated with increased out-of-pocket costs for maternity care, but had no adverse impacts on receipt of recommended prenatal and postpartum care.

When preventive care was exempt from the deductible, well-child visits did not change for children switching from traditional plans to high-deductible plans.

Although some interventions may enhance medication safety, an electronic medical record reminder to providers may not be an efficient use of resources.