Benefits in 2020

Similarly, consumer-driven health plans could be rebuilt for more staying power. If they increase the tendency of some people to skip, avoid, or delay medical treatment and that leads to additional health problems — especially among poorer workers — the backlash against such accounts might be substantial. The incentives in the plans need to be adjusted so that employees aren't deterred from seeking needed care because their health accounts are too scanty. Already, many companies are structuring their plans so that preventive medicine is always covered, shielding the assets in the accounts.

Ultimately, Salisbury says, anything that employers can do to encourage workers to save more for their retirements and health care will help.

David M. Katz is deputy editor of CFO.com.

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