Health care's new balancing act: managing hybrids plans.

Today's health care market must balance the demands of many stakeholders. Consumers want choice over providers, benefit flexibility, and freedom from having to obtain permission for health services. At the same time, employer groups demand that plans hold the line on premiums, or pass cost-increases along to employees. Provider organizations, caught in the middle of these conflicting interests--containing costs yet providing unfettered access to care--are struggling to balance their own capital, financial risk, and service levels.