Narrow network plan designs aren’t just becoming the norm on the individual market. In 2018, up to half of large employers will either consider or have already implemented such plans, according to Forbes’ Bruce Japsen.

To insurers and employers, the preferable term would be “high performance” plans, as they say their strategy is to drive enrollees to providers with stronger records on quality as they seek ways to keep healthcare costs down.

“As employers continue to look for ways to improve health and manage cost within their health benefits program, one area of focus is consistently considered—provider network optimization,” said Jim Winkler, senior vice president of Health & Benefits at Aon. “Beyond cost and quality considerations, employers have increasingly turned to narrower provider panels to provide simplicity of choice and consistency of care for plan members.”

Narrower networks, however, have caused plenty of headaches for patients, as some insurers have failed to provide accurate information on who is and isn’t in-network. The confusion has been blamed for the jump in “surprise” bills when patient unknowingly receive care from an out-of-network physician, even if they made sure to seek out an in-network hospital.

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