Managed care plans improve efficiency by all the following means EXCEPT?

Managed care plans are designed to improve efficiency in the healthcare system through various strategies. One key way they achieve this is by reducing administrative costs, which allows more resources to be allocated toward patient care rather than overhead. Coordinating care among providers is another essential aspect, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care without unnecessary duplication of services. Furthermore, implementing preventive care programs helps in catching health issues early, ultimately reducing more significant healthcare expenses down the line.

The option regarding transferring management of costs to the insureds does not align with the principles of managed care. While it's true that some cost-sharing occurs in managed care, the focus is on controlling overall healthcare expenses and coordinating care rather than shifting the burden of cost management directly onto the insured. Managed care aims to enhance efficiency by integrating services and managing costs collectively rather than passing those responsibilities primarily to patients.