Since 2004, HSAs have skyrocketed in popularity. They are now the second most popular tax-advantaged account next to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). As HSA-qualified high deductible health plans continue to grow, third party administrators have plenty of opportunity to jump into the market.
Unlike an FSA or an HRA, both of which are owned by the employer, HSAs are owned by the individual. This means that the account owner funds the HSA, spends the money (within IRS regulations), earns interest, and chooses whether or not to invest the money. Most importantly, the individual keeps the account (HSA portability) should their employment status change due to job loss, changing company, or retirement. Employers may also choose to contribute to the HSA, but the account owner keeps the funds.
Since they were enacted in 2003, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have become an integral part of the consumer directed healthcare landscape for those with a high deductible health plan. One of the chief benefits of having an HSA is that account holders can use that money to pay for a wide range of eligible medical expenses for themselves, their spouses, and their tax dependents.
HSAs have been around for almost two decades and continue to exhibit long-term adoption growth. However, many TPAs have been cautious about adding this account to their services menu. How can TPAs capitalize on this expanding opportunity and enter this consistently growing market?
Offering HSAs paired with a High Deductible Health Plan are an important part of many employer-sponsored benefit plans. To improve plan and account adoption, employers, brokers, and third party administrators need to understand employees’ concerns and how an HSA with HDHP can address them.