 Image: alancleaver_2000 under CC 3.0 |
When it comes to employee health benefits, companies are looking to save money. One of the methods they are increasingly using to do so are health savings accounts, which are connected to high-deductible group health insurance plans.
Employers like HSA plans because they pay lower premiums. Such plans give consumers more control over their health care, but are controversial. Some believe that they reduce the use of wasteful health care, while others fear that patients will make penny-wise but pound-foolish decisions (like neglecting preventative care until it is too late).
Either way, 12% of companies surveyed offered high-deductible plans last year, in addition to or instead of more comprehensive coverage. The trend is expected to continu.
