Most Americans still focus solely on the most basic costs of their health insurance  — monthly premium and co-pays. But those who participate in a plan that requires them to engage in the management of plan costs are much savvier about the true cost of health coverage.

A study by Alegeus, based upon input from 5,000 adults, reports a disturbing lack of interest on the part of most plan participants in the details of coverage.

"Only 50 percent of consumers profess to want to play an active role in their health care," Alegeus says. "Less than half regularly do things like researching treatment options, quality ratings and success rates, seeking second opinions, consulting with peers, or comparing costs. A third never do any of those things."

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Dan Cook

Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.