Profession
AHIP survey shows most HSAs cover preventive care from the first dollar
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 24, 2007
An insurance industry survey released last month found that patients in most health savings account health plans, and virtually all such plans purchased through groups, do not need to meet the high deductible before insurers pick up the tab for preventive care.
Several studies have contended that HSAs may harm patients because they are coupled with high deductibles that could discourage patients from getting necessary medical attention, especially preventive care. But America's Health Insurance Plans, an insurance trade group, said a member survey found that 99% of HSAs in the large-group market, and 96% in the small-group market, cover prevention from dollar one.
By contrast, nearly three out of five HSAs purchased in the individual market offer first-dollar coverage for preventive care. AHIP said that figure is lower because patients paying for insurance in the individual market do so on an after-tax basis and may be served better by plans with lower premiums that allow them to use those dollars to pay for preventive care tax-free.
Preventive care that is usually covered in HSA plans includes child and adult immunizations, well-baby and well-child care, annual physicals, mammograms and Pap smears.
The AMA has policy supporting HSAs as one among many insurance options that should be available to patients as part of a competitive and fair health insurance marketplace.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/12/24/prbf1224.htm.
