New Census Survey Shows Continued Growth in HSA Enrollment

WASHINGTON, July 9 -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following news release:

Nearly 17.4 million Americans are covered by Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible insurance plans, an increase of nearly 12 percent since 2013, according to a new census released today by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). This year's census shows that enrollment in HSA plans has grown on average 15 percent annually since 2011.

Since Congress authorized HSA plans in 2004, AHIP has conducted an annual census of the number of people covered by health savings accounts/high-deductible health plans (HSA/HDHPs). Nationally, the average monthly premium was $371 for single coverage and $835 for families. In addition, this year's findings also show that the large group market continues to lead in enrollment gains, and now represents 74 percent of all enrollment in health savings account/high-deductible health plans (HSA/HDHPs).

"HSA plans are increasingly becoming an important and valuable coverage option for consumers and employers," AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni said. "HSA plans provide important tools to support consumers and families in their health care decisions and to help them save for future medical expenses."

AHIP, in partnership with the American Bankers Association'sHSA Council, will also release a new report tomorrow on HSA financial activity.

Key findings from the AHIP Health Savings Account census include:

* The number of enrollees with HSA/HDHPs rose to nearly 17.4 million in January 2014, up from 15.5 million in January 2013, 13.5 million in January 2012, and 11.4 million in January 2011; an average annual growth rate of approximately 15 percent since 2011.

* Most enrollment gains in the HSA/HDHP market in 2014 were in the large group market. The share of HSA/HDHP lives enrolled in large group plans jumped from 59 percent in January 2012 to 68 percent in January 2013, to 74 percent in January 2014.

* The gender distribution of people covered by an HSA/HDHP as of January 2014 was evenly split--50 percent male and 50 percent female.

* Fifty-two (52) percent of all HSA/HDHP enrollees in the individual market (including dependents covered under family plans) were age 40 or over; 48 percent were under age 40.

* States with the highest levels of HSA/HDHP enrollment were: Illinois (1,054,916), Texas (1,042,642), Ohio (802,511), Pennsylvania (691,750), and Michigan (690,932).

* Monthly premiums were reported for all markets (individual, small-group, and large-group). Nationally, the monthly average premiums were $371 for single coverage and $835 for families.

Consumer Decision-Support Tools for HSA Enrollees

The census also found that the vast majority of individuals enrolled in an HSA plan have access to a variety of tools and resources, including information for selecting appropriate providers and hospitals, to help make more informed health care decisions for themselves and their family members.

To learn more about the value of HSA plans, visit the Health Savings Alliance at http://www.hsaalliance.org.

To view the full HSA census, click here. (http://www.ahip.org/2014/HSA-Census-Report/)

[Category: Insurance]

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