More U.S. Employers Turning to Consumer-Directed Health Plans
More than half of U.S. companies are offering a consumer-directed health plan to workers, according to a recent survey.
In 2009, 51% of U.S. employers are offering a consumer-directed health plan, which typically pairs a high-deductible health plan with a tax-advantaged savings account—such as health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)—to help cover patient medical costs. That is up from 42% in 2008, according to a survey of 489 large companies by consulting firm Watson Wyatt and the National Business Group of Health.
The survey also reported that 34% of the employers currently offer HSAs and 21% offer an HRA.1,2
Consumer-directed health plans are typically health plans with annual deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket amounts that are higher than traditional plan designs.
In 2009, the Internal Revenue Service classifies a high-deductible health plan as having an annual deductible of at least $1,150 for individuals and $2,300 for a family. In addition, the annual out-of-pocket maximum cannot be more than $5,800 for an individual and $11,600 for a family.3The higher deductibles that patients must pay as a result of these plans mean some patients may have difficulty accessing the care they need. Practices can contact AccessOne® at 1-888-ACCESS-1 to find out about available resources such as referrals to independent copayment assistance foundations.
AccessOne® also offers patient-specific benefits verification and is staffed with experienced counselors who can explain coverage details and discuss patient financial responsibility with both practices and patients.
1"Executive Summary: The Keys to Continued Success: Lessons Learned From Consistent Performers." The 14th Annual National Business Group on Health/Watson Wyatt Employer Survey on Purchasing Value in Health Care.
2"Press Release: Companies Remain Confident in Future of Health Benefits, Watson Wyatt/National Business Group on Health Survey Finds." The 14th Annual National Business Group on Health/Watson Wyatt Employer Survey on Purchasing Value in Health Care. March 12, 2009.
3U.S. Department of the Treasury, Press Room. "Treasury, IRS Issue 2009 Indexed Amounts for Health Savings Accounts." May 13, 2008.
Coverage policies may vary by insurer or even between plans offered by the same insurer. This information is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide reimbursement or legal advice. Laws, regulations, and policies concerning reimbursement are complex and are updated frequently. While we have made an effort to be current, the information may not be as current or comprehensive when you view it. Please consult with your counsel or reimbursement specialist for any reimbursement or billing questions.