During the most recent recession, it wasn't that uncommon to hear about jobless individuals taking work that they were overqualified for just so that they could get medical insurance. Even in today's slightly stronger economy, the employee benefits piece of a company's total compensation package continues to play a significant role when an employee decides to join or leave an organization. 

In the wake of health care reform and the rise in benefit costs, employers are passing more of the cost burden onto their employees; thus creating the need for employees to make smarter decisions when it comes to their benefits, particularly medical coverage.

This concept, however, is not a new one. Carriers and brokers alike have been preaching this to all us for years. The popular catchphrase often used today is: "health care consumerism."