Consumerism in health care is a model that employers have been slow to accept. However, with the costs of insurance and health care rising dramatically over the previous decade, CDHC plans are a hot commodity. Brokers who offer this option have seen interest increase with companies looking for ways to cut costs and improve patient care—especially with employees who are always complaining about the how much it costs to have insurance.

Offering CDHC plan designs go a long way to increase business opportunities, not only with current clients but also with new customers. Remember, whenever you can help your client save money and still accomplish his health care goals, you'll be a hero.

According to a new study by Prudential, brokers and consultants play a critical role in shaping the changes in the benefits model. Nearly three-quarters of brokers and consultants surveyed (70 percent) say they are recommending, to some extent, that their clients implement consumer-directed health plans. More than two-thirds (68 percent) indicate they're recommending that their clients share more of the cost of contributory benefits with employees. Among plan sponsors, giving more financial responsibility to employees through high deductible health plans and health saving accounts was rated as "highly important" by 34 percent in 2010, up from 21 percent in 2007.