Louisville, Ky. (June 6, 2006) SHPS, Inc., a national provider of healthcare consumerism solutions, announced today the publication of its new booklet, Making Consumerism Work: A Practical Guide for Transforming Healthcare. The comprehensive guide offers strategies and tactics for implementing a healthcare consumerism program.

In the 68-page booklet, SHPS offers a new perspective on consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC) by suggesting that the real solution is healthcare consumerism. Healthcare consumerism expands the narrow, plan-focused approach of CDHC into a comprehensive health strategy that combines plan design, spending accounts, care management, wellness programs, incentives and health advocacy services.

As weve witnessed first hand through our client interactions, employers today are struggling with ways to control rapidly rising healthcare costs, while also being sensitive to the needs of their employee populations, said Rishabh Mehrotra, SHPS president. Employers that can effectively implement a consumer-focused healthcare strategy will ensure their financial success for years to come, as well as their ability to attract and retain top talent.

SHPS contends the total impact of a comprehensive healthcare consumerism program is a reduction of 65 to 75 percent of the prevailing annual increase in healthcare costs. Put another way, companies using best practices in consumerism experience two or three percent increases in healthcare costs annually, compared with a national average nearing 10 percent.

The booklet is designed to help employers as well as the health community that serves them recognize the key considerations of a healthcare consumerism strategy and provide a roadmap for its successful implementation, added Mehrotra.

Complimentary copies of Making Consumerism Work are available for a limited time by visiting our Publications section.

About SHPS | Carewise Health
SHPS is a leading, independent provider of integrated health solutions that improve personal health and reduce spending. By integrating traditional health management and benefits administration services, SHPS delivers people-centric solutions that empower individuals to make wise healthcare choices. It serves large and mid-sized employers, government agencies, and third-party administrators through the company’s Carewise Health, Landacorp, and SHPS brands. Visit www.carewisehealth.com.

For More Information
LeAnn Ross
Director of Marketing
leann.ross@shps.com

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