One of the biggest items being set into motion in the health insurance reform is creating a consumer- driven health care environment. Consumer-driven health insurance plans provide individuals the ability to take control of both their health and insurance. The idea is to educate individuals about their options, and create a health insurance market that allows individuals to compare plans, as well as force carriers to offer competitive prices.

With a HIA plan, a very prevalent policy with Anthem, individuals actually receive an annual allowance put into a Health Incentive Account. This money is to be spent in any manner you wish on covered health insurance expenses, and the money rolls over to the next year.