None that I know of, though The New York Times of October 13, 2004 had an article on medical savings accounts (see Milton Freudenheim, "Bush Savings Accounts Slow to Gain Acceptance.") It suggests that spending more out of pocket might push consumers to select cheaper drugs and take a more active role in choosing their treatment. But this claim seems like a pretty empty conception of consumer sovereignty.
Joel Blau
Frank, Ellen wrote:
Well, one more try....
Today's WSJ has a piece on health savings accounts which states, repeating a claim made frequently about such accounts: "Implemented correctly, they hold out the possiblility of putting the brakes on health care costs by giving patients more of a stake in the experience of getting well and staying well."
Any health economists out there who are aware of studies that support this? In particular, what kinds of health decisions do consumers control that could yield this outcome? I can think of some small ones, like OTC anti-allergy and arthritis drugs in place of prescriptions. Maybe there are other scenarios, but I can't imagine them.
Ellen
