Consumer-driven health plans linked to health savings accounts (HSAs) remain the CDHP of choice, according to a survey.

[The study by Aon Consulting and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists found that] 44 percent of employers now offer a CDHP to employees compared with just 28 percent in 2006. Of those offering CDHPs, 56 percent use the HSA model, 35 percent link CDHPs to health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and 9 percent use both.

According to the survey, the portion of employers offering HSA-linked CDHPs has risen from 48 percent in 2006 to 56 percent today, while the number offering HRAs has fallen from 43 percent in 2006 to 35 percent today.

. . . For CDHPs linked to HSAs, the survey found that 66 percent of employers contribute money, up from 60 percent last year. About 15 percent of employers contribute less than $500 per person, 45 percent contribute $500 or more and 6 percent match an employee's contribution.

Employers offering an HRA-linked plan make a variety of contributions, with 49 percent contributing between $500 and $799 to the account of a single employee and 34 percent providing more than $1,000 per year.

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