What characteristic is associated with consumer-driven health plans?

Consumer-driven health plans are designed to give individuals greater control over their healthcare spending and choices. A key characteristic of these plans is that they often feature high deductibles, which means that the insured typically must pay a greater portion of their healthcare costs out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. This structure encourages consumers to take a more active role in managing their healthcare needs and finances.

By facing higher initial costs, individuals are motivated to seek out quality healthcare services while also becoming more aware of the pricing and value of those services. This can lead to more informed decision-making regarding when and where to seek care. This empowerment aligns with the overall philosophy of consumer-driven health plans, which is to promote personal responsibility in healthcare management.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of consumer-driven health plans. Unlimited coverage regardless of cost does not align with the model since these plans typically involve significant cost-sharing. Low cost with extensive network options might suggest affordability, but these plans can actually have high out-of-pocket costs due to the high deductibles. Lastly, standardized pricing across services is not a characteristic of consumer-driven plans as these systems usually involve variable costs based on different providers and services.