Study Finds More U.S. Residents Choosing High-Deductible Plans

About 11.4 million U.S. residents are enrolled in health savings accounts/high-deductible health insurance plans, up from 10 million people in 2010 and six million in 2008, according to a report released on Tuesday by America's Health Insurance Plans, National Journal reports (Fox, National Journal, 6/14).

The largest increase in HSA/HDHP enrollment came via plans offered by large employers, with a 26% increase. Meanwhile, enrollment in such plans increased by 15% on the individual market (Baker, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 6/14).

The federal health reform law limits the use of high-deductable plans and prevents small businesses from offering policies with deductibles of more than $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families (National Journal, 6/14).

In a release, AHIP said the report should make lawmakers wary of the "unintended consequences" of the reform law.

AHIP said, "While these plans typically have lower benefit costs, they are not necessarily less costly to administer on a per-enrollee basis. Policymakers should recognize the unique nature of HSA plans to preserve consumers' access to this important coverage option" ("Healthwatch," The Hill, 6/14).

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in May introduced legislation (HR 2010) that would expand the use of high-deductible plans and eliminate the reform law's limits (National Journal, 6/14).