Health accounts don’t raise costs
- Share via
New medical savings accounts created in the U.S. by a 2003 federal law don’t raise out-of-pocket costs for many users and thus aren’t likely to deter spending on healthcare, a new study has found.
The program, called Health Savings Accounts, allows people with deductibles of at least $1,050 a year in their private health insurance plans to set aside pretax dollars to cover the initial costs that policies won’t pay. Although some HSA proponents predicted the accounts would switch more costs to patients from employers, that isn’t the case, researchers said.
The study appears in the July-August issue of Health Affairs.
More to Read
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
