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10 Analogies to Help Explain Defined Contribution Healthcare

Health Benefits • April 25, 2014 at 12:00 PM • Written by: Christina Merhar

As with any emerging concept, analogies can help you explain Defined Contribution Healthcare to colleagues, clients, board members, and employees. We've put together 10 quick analogies to explain "pure" defined contribution healthcare.

Explaining the concept of a "defined contribution", versus a "defined benefit"...

1. Defined contribution works like an allowance for health insurance

2. Defined contribution is like a stipend for healthcare, but tax-free

3. Defined contribution is similar to a gift card for health insurance

4. Defined Contribution is like a 401k for healthcare, whereas a Defined Benefit plan is like a pension

5. Defined Contribution is like an all-you-can-eat-buffet whereas a Defined Benefit plan is a prix-fix menu

6. Defined Contribution allowances are like business expense accounts for health insurance

Explaining defined contribution software...

7. Defined Contribution Software is like QuickBooks online for defined contribution administration

Explaining individual health insurance...

8. Individual health insurance is a policy you purchase for yourself and your family - just like car insurance

9. The Individual Health Insurance Marketplaces are like an Amazon or Expedia for health insurance

QSEHRAs and ICHRAs are the modern defined contribution health benefit.

Christina Merhar