Information Strategies, Inc.: Healthcare & You

IRS Clarifies Regulations Concerning Employer HSA Contributions

Tue, 27 May 2008 17:25:23 GMT

Responding to requests for clarification of employer contribution issues, the Internal Revenue Service has issued its final regulations on this important Health Savings Accounts.

In the final year of President Bush's term, the Administration continues to raise the HSA limits and contributions.

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:10:23 GMT

In the final year of President Bush's term, the Administration continues to raise the HSA limits and contributions.The maximum contributions that can be made to health savings accounts will increase next year, the Internal Revenue Service said.

IRS Clarifies Regulations Concerning Employer HSA Contributions

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:11:08 GMT

Responding to requests for clarification of employer contribution issues, the Internal Revenue Service has issued its final regulations on this important Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) issue.

Georgia Adopts Tax Policy To Help Small Business Provide Healthcare Insurance To Employees

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:46:59 GMT

Georgia has adopted a new tax policy in a further sign of the growing use of HSAs as a means of helping small employers provide healthcare insurance benefits.

GAO Report Is A "Half-Full, Half-Empty" Analysis Of HSA Users With Data Going Only As Far As 2005

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:42:25 GMT

In reviewing the just released GAO study of HSAs, there is much to be pleased about and some caveats.

Reduced Healthcare Benefits Utilization Reported For CDH Users

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:43:49 GMT

Firms with a consumer orientation in health benefits appear to be benefiting from reduced utilization, according to a new survey. The results mirror past studies done by Information Strategies, Inc. (ISI), this newsletter's parent.

Communications Key To Renewals Of Healthcare Insurance Offerings, Says J.D. Powers

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:40:17 GMT

Another sign of the continuing need for communications, particularly amongst providers of Consumer Directed Healthcare and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is shown in the latest J.D. Powers surveys. The report says that health plan performance varies widely among some insurers across the U.S.

HSA Numbers Continue To Soar, Outrank HRAs, According To AHIP

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:38:52 GMT

As the number of Health Savings Account (HSAs) increases, the role of smaller businesses in its expansion continue. While numbers shown in a major study indicate larger corporations are embracing HSAs, smaller firms are still leading the charge.

HSA Users: Important Things to Remember

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:19:28 GMT

When thinking about starting or using a Health Savings Account (HSA), there are several important things to remember and consider. The following advice will help you stay organized and gain the best use from your HSA.

Taboo Health Topics Are Popular on the Web

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:18:46 GMT

When it comes to getting health information, a growing number of consumers are turning to the Internet to connect with others.

Building an HSA Balance

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:17:30 GMT

One of the biggest concerns people often have about switching to a health savings account (HSA) is being able to cover the high deductible before the insurance plan starts paying for expenses. However, there are ways that people can fund their savings in order to handle that deductible.

Using an HSA for Retirement

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:40:30 GMT

Many individuals are now using health savings accounts (HSAs) as a way to supplement their traditional retirement accounts, such as 401ks. An HSA allows users to pay for health related expenses, such as office visit copays, deductibles, and medication. Users can also use the accounts to save for future medical expenses, premiums for health insurance, or even Medicare premiums.

Dramatic Events On Tax Day Show Strength, Vulnerability of HSAs

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:51:58 GMT

While the House of Representatives was passing a bill that could slow down adoption of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), a man blamed by one Republican congressman for providing House Democrats with the justification defended himself and his company to his peers. On Tax Day, April 15th, the House Ways & Means Committee Democrats used data from Evolution Health to justify an onerous provision that would require verification by individuals for all expenditures made using HSA dollars.

Using an HSA for Retirement

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:47:29 GMT

Business Generated HSAs Surpass Individually-Purchased Offerings

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:57:11 GMT

Whether the glass is half full or half empty is the question facing stakeholders in the Health Savings Accounts (HSA) sector. What is evident are trends showing that business managers are leaning towards HSAs as a way of reducing healthcare benefit cost while providing support for staff members.

Price Comparison Website Helps Consumers to Make Informed Decisions

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:31:44 GMT

Individuals and families can make better decisions about their health care spending if they compare re prices for routine health care services.

Secrets to Success in Wellness Programs

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:31:07 GMT

Wise executives recognize that while employees are most definitely human beings, they also are machines of production that require maintenance. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, preventable illnesses and medical conditions comprise approximately 90% of United States $1.4 trillion medical care costs.

Americans Want More Help In Understanding, Using Healthcare Insurance

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:30:07 GMT

As millions of Americans resolve to be healthier in the new year, a new survey suggests consumers should add "understand my insurance" to the list of health-oriented goals for 2008.

Predictions For 2008 Indicate Healthcare System Under Stress

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:28:56 GMT

With the new year, healthcare stakeholders face a plethora of challenges. Predictions of what will happen are beginning to come in and are worth noting for planning purposes.

An Avalanche Of HSAs Expected To Descend In Early 2008

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:27:54 GMT

Millions of Americans will start using their Health Savings Accounts begining this January.

HSA Bank Hits $500 Million in Deposits, Average Balance Is $2,500

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:27:18 GMT

In surpassing $500 million in HSA deposits, HSA Bank®, also indicated that average balances past the $2,500 mark.

Customer Demand Pushing Banks To Offer HSAs, Survey Says

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:26:42 GMT

The latest survey published by a leading information group reports client demand are pushing bankers to offer custodial accounts as insurers adopt better HSA offerings.

Healthline Helps Seniors Navigate Medicare Part D

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:42:47 GMT

Healthline Networks, a provider of intelligent health information services, announced new content and search capabilities to help Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers research and apply for a new Medicare prescription drug plan. The search tool, called the Medicare Part D Plan Finder, and accompanying Medicare-related content will be available on Healthline.com during Medicare Part D's open enrollment period, November 15th - December 31st 2007.

HSA Bank Becomes First Custodian To Launch Spanish Language Website For Individuals And Companies

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:06:46 GMT

In a bow to the growing importance of Hispanic business professionals, HSA Bank has launched a Spanish language website for individuals and firms. Recognizing the appeal of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to Hispanic audiences and as a top provider of these "Medical Ira" custodial accounts, the bank is leading the rush towards multi-ethic marketing long urged by Information Strategies, Inc., parent of this newsletter.

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Survey Shows Consumer Driven Health Plan Enrollees Are Taking More Control Of Their Healthcare

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:06:01 GMT

Participants enrolled in consumer directed health plan (CDHP) offerings are more engaged in wellness programs and are more likely to plan and save for healthcare expenses than those in traditional healthcare coverage, according to new survey findings released by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).