Shared cost of health care benefits: some cautionary thoughts from equity theory

Examines employees′ attitudes towards the value of sharing the costs of health care benefits. Argues that heightened employee awareness of value of these benefits will not necessarily result in the positive attitude changes envisioned by employers. Suggests that equity theory may serve as a reasonable model for considering how employees may respond to health sharing proposals. Cautions employers to reconsider the projected cost savings and potential negative behavioural consequences of such strategies.