Benefits November 20, 2007

Group: Most HSA Plans Cover Preventative Care

November 20, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A health insurer trade group survey shows most health savings account (HSA) plans cover preventative diagnostic procedures such as pap tests and prostate cancer screenings without having to first meet a deductible.
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A news release from the Washington, D.C.-basedAmerica ‘s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), which represents about 1,300 member insurers, said its poll found that v irtually all HSA plans purchased in the large-group market (99%) and small-group market (96%) provide preventive care coverage without regard to a deductible – so-called “first-dollar” coverage. The study focused on high-deductible health plan (HDHP) policies that are HSA compatible.

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According to the study, among HSA/HDHP policies offering first-dollar coverage for preventive care, 100% cover:

  • adult and child immunizations;
  • well-baby and well-child care;
  • mammography;
  • Pap tests; and
  • annual physical exams and screenings.

Also, nearly 90% provide first-dollar coverage for prostate cancer screenings and 83% offer it for colonoscopies.

Overall, 84% of the HSA/HDHP policies purchased in both the group and individual markets provide first-dollar coverage for preventive care, the group said.

“HSA plans have been a valuable new coverage option – especially for those who had been uninsured previously – and are providing consumers with access to important preventive health care services,” said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of AHIP, in the news release.

The survey report is here .

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