A Roadmap to Using V-BID in State Exchanges
February 7, 2013 According to two recently published reports, the successful implementation of value-based insurance design (V-BID) in state exchanges is contingent on transparency and consumer education efforts. As officials from California and other states contemplate V-BID options for their exchanges, the commentaries initiate a roadmap to effective execution. A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded study, published in this month's Health Affairs, praises V-BID plans for their ability to align provider/patient incentives and "reward value of care over volume of care." The authors note the trade-offs between the flexibility required to implement clinically nuanced value-based insurance designs and the simplification permitted by a standard benefit design. In their analysis, the authors note the evidence base for V-BID and recommend ways to support consumers who may be interested in choosing these plans. A second paper from Consumers Union lays out six evaluative criteria that should be met by California [...]