Data on Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost-Sharing in HSA-Qualified Health Plans

Publication Date: May 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which have been available since 2004, are the newest addition to the array of tax-advantaged accounts people can use to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses. To set up an HSA, one must enroll in a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This report analyzes findings about enrollment in HSA-qualified HDHPs. It must be noted that enrollment in HSA-qualified HDHPs is not the same as actually having an HSA account. Individuals may enroll in an HSAqualified HDHP without setting up an HSA. In addition, individuals may have an HSA without contributing to it. The available estimates show the number of people enrolled in HSA-qualified HDHPs, but provide little insight into whether individuals set up HSAs and, if so, whether they contribute. According to the latest estimates from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), nearly 3.2 million individuals were covered by an HSA-qualified HDHP in January 2006. This report will be updated as new findings emerge.