HSA Enrollment In U.S. Reaches 15.5 Million

June 26, 2013

 

Nearly 15.5 million Americans are covered by Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible insurance plans, an increase of nearly 15 percent since last year, according to a new census released today by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

 

The census also found that the greatest enrollment increases were in the large group market, which represents nearly 70 percent of all enrollment in health savings account/high-deductible health plans (HSA/HDHPs) in 2013.

 

HSA plans were authorized by Congress starting in January 2004. Since then, AHIP has conducted an annual census of the number of people covered by HSA/HDHPs. This year’s census shows that enrollment in HSA plans has more than tripled over the last six years, from 4.5 million enrollees in January 2007 to 15.5 million in January 2013.

 

"HSA plans have given individuals and employers a valuable coverage option," said Karen Ignagni, AHIP President and CEO. "HSA plans encourage individuals to take an active role in their health care decisions while stretching their health care dollars."

 

Key findings from the census include:

• The number of individuals with HSA coverage rose to nearly 15.5 million in January 2013, up from 13.5 in January 2012

• Enrollment has continued to increase each year of the census with 11.4 million enrolled in coverage in January 2011, 10.0 million in January 2010, 8.0 million in January 2009, and 6.1 million in January 2008.

 

 

 

82% Say Brand Important In Choosing Plan

June 20, 2013 - PR Newswire Association LLC

 

More than eight in ten (82%) Americans say the brand of a health insurer is somewhat or very important when deciding on a health insurance plan. While these findings are similar among men (80%) and women (84%), those 55 years of age and older (88%) are significantly more likely than any other age group (76% ages 18-34, 80% ages 35-44, 82% ages 45-54) to find the health insurer brand important. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,084 U.S. adults surveyed online from May 31-June 4, 2013 by Harris Interactive.

 

With the Affordable Care Act and health insurance exchanges gearing up for implementation, the relevance of the healthcare consumer is growing. As the balance of power shifts to individuals, the impact of consumers' purchasing decisions will be felt throughout the industry.

 

"Nearly two in ten (19%) Americans report that they do not currently have health insurance," says Debra Richman, Senior Vice President, Healthcare Strategy and Business Development, Harris Interactive. "While this group of uninsured is younger, what is interesting—and of great relevance to health insurers-is that those who are currently uninsured are significantly less likely to find the brand of the insurance plan important (70%) than those who do have coverage (85%). An opportunity could exist for lesser known brands to successfully compete and gain market share in the insurance exchanges–especially in this younger and healthier demographic. In addition, brand is especially important to those 55 years of age and older, and those insurers offering products to this demographic should consider promoting the importance of their brand," states Richman.

 

When asked which factors are among the most important when selecting a health insurance plan, Americans are most likely to select overall plan price (including premiums, deductibles, co pays, etc.) and benefits included in the plan (66% and 64%, respectively), followed by which doctors are included in the plan's network (35%), the reputation of the insurer (30%) and which hospitals are included in the plan's network (24%).