We read how the economy is humming along, even gaining steam in many sectors. We’re also hearing some employers are loosening the purse strings a bit to compete in a tight labor market.

Here’s a way to tweak your health plan with little or no increase to the cost.

In recent enrollment meetings, we’ve been offering employees a choice between the now all-to-common high deductible plans alongside a zero deductible option. No, that’s not a typo. One of our insurers has a fairly unique plan design with scheduled per occurrence co-pays for In and Out Patient services – plus the usual Office Visit and Pharmacy co-pays – offset by a $0 calendar year deductible.

These plans are actuarially designed so that the premiums are in line with traditional plans.

Given this choice, employees are electing the $0 deductible plan by a 2 to 1 margin over the standard plans.

Insurers developing novel plan designs are going to win market share. Employers offering choice are going to win loyal employees.

The big winners are empowered, thus happy, consumers.