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Since the Second World War, the American health system has been built on the assumption that most employers will provide their workers with insurance. That solution is under extreme pressure as health costs and premiums have gone up at twice the rate of inflation.

Today, more and more companies are testing the waters of an approach that exposes their employees to more of the costs of health care. The theory is, if the money comes out of their pockets, they will use only what they need and shop for the best value.

The theory goes under the label of consumer driven health care and it is controversial.

Today, we begin a week of coverage on consumer driven care. We look at the different forms these health plans can take, how they work for the people who have them, and whether they are likely to keep health care costs in check.

New Hampshire Public Radio's Jon Greenberg has more.