Before signing up for a consumer-directed health plan such as...

Before signing up for a consumer-directed health plan such as a Health Savings Account, or HSA, learn how it works and whether it is the most effective tool for your family's health-care dollars. Credit: iStock

A new Rand study found that families who switched from a traditional health plan to a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) spent an average of 21 percent less on health care in the first year than similar families in a traditional plan.

These days, any mention of saving on health care gets attention. Here's what you need to know about CDHPs.

Says Carrie McLean, consumer specialist with eHealthInsur ance.com, "Think of an HSA as a retirement fund for medical expenses."

NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week. Credit: Newsday

What you missed this week on NewsdayTV NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week.

NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week. Credit: Newsday

What you missed this week on NewsdayTV NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME