HSAs and ER visits

A Harvard Medical School study links high deductible health plans (which include HSA plans) to fewer emergency room visits. Turns out (as the Commonwealth Foundation has said many times) that when individuals take more responsibility for their healthcare cost – out of pocket or through health savings accounts – then we will limit overspending on unnecessary services.

If Governor Rendell wants to reduce ER visits for non-emergency care, as he proposes, then consumer-driven models (not government mandates) should be part of his proposals.