CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This year workers may need to do more homework when they evaluate their company-sponsored health coverage options. That's because more employers are including what's called a consumer directed plan. It would chop premiums 20 percent and give you tax breaks.

But Mark Kenison, who advises businesses on group benefits, said there's a big trade-off.

"they are increasing deductibles, increasing co-pays, and having to reduce a lot of benefits for employees in some cases just to stay in business," he said.

Kenison said workers need to consider the cost when choosing a high deductible plan. It means they'll have to shell out a lot of money before coverage kicks in.

"They have to think about are they going to be able to pay that money out of pocket. If its $2500, $5,000 deductible, that's potentially the money they're going to have to shell out when someone breaks an arm, breaks a leg whatever," he said.

He said many people would rather pay a higher premium and be able to go to the doctor with a low co-pay and low deductibles.

But if consumers do choose a consumer directed plan, Kenison says look at setting up a pre-taxed savings account to pay the high deductibles. Something else he advises is signing up for an accident or illness policy and have the premiums deducted from your check. That will likely cover the costs if you're in a wreck without the high deductible.

"A lot of times that less expensive than having a lower deductible plan and can save the employee money," he said.