Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They An Option for Low-Income Families?


 

Publication Date: October 2006

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Health Coverage

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This issue brief examines health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health plans (HDHP) as a viable option for low-income families. The brief finds that HSAs and HDHPS are no more affordable for low-income families than existing plans as the high deductibles associated with these plans shift even more health care costs onto them.