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Average HSA balances show minimal growth

More money than ever is being kept in some form of health savings or reimbursement program, but the growth in the balance per account has flattened, according to an issue brief released June 1 by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Researchers surveyed 2,007 adults covered by a high-deductible health insurance combined with a health savings or reimbursement account. Results were then extrapolated to the general population.

A total of $7.1 billion was held in these accounts in 2009, an increase from $835.4 million in 2006. The number of accounts also grew from 1.2 million in 2006 to 5 million in 2009.

The average amount of money in each account, however, has leveled off. Approximately $696 was in each account in 2006.This jumped to $1,320 in 2007 but only went up to $1,356 in 2008 and $1,419 in 2009.

Those participating in these kind of programs were more likely than those with traditional health insurance to be young, unmarried, educated and high-income earners, and to have healthy habits.

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Dell creates consulting division focused on states

Computer giant Dell announced the creation of a new division of the company aimed at helping states meet the new insurance mandates created under health system reform.

The company said Dell's State Healthcare Services division will provide technical and consulting services to states as they work to expand Medicaid coverage and set up health insurance exchanges.

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Patients say others see more EMR benefits

Despite greater support overall for a switch to electronic medical records, 26% of Americans think patients have the least to gain from their use, according to a recent Harris Interactive poll.

The survey was commissioned by Xerox, which provides health data management services for health care organizations.

Nearly half of the 2,180 adults surveyed online in February said electronic records will result in more efficient health care.

Only 16% of respondents reported being approached by their health care organizations about the conversion process.

This content was published online only.

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