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November 16, 2005
Health Savings Accounts are catching on
Nearly half of U.S. businesses recently surveyed said they now have in place next-generation health plans like health savings accounts or would soon offer them.
Of 316 employers polled, 43 percent said they currently offer their workforce a so-called consumer-driven health plan (22 percent), or will be offering one in the next two years (21 percent), according to a survey released Tuesday by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.
Another 51 percent of businesses said they are reviewing consumer-driven plans and may offer one in the near future if the plans have employee appeal and appear to save money.
The survey also showed that, while the newer HSAs are catching on in the marketplace, health reimbursement accounts, which debuted about three years ago, remain the most popular among employers.
Sixty-three percent of respondents said they offer their staff an HRA, compared to 31 percent who have signed on to an HSA.
"By offering consumer-driven health plans, businesses believe they will reduce spending by making employees smarter shoppers for health care," said Tommy G. Thompson, independent chairman of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. "These plans are increasingly attractive as health care costs continue to threaten companies' bottom lines."
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Posted by Wiley Long at November 16, 2005 01:46 PM