Survey: HSAs accepted by all demographics

WATERBURY, Conn., June 23 (UPI) -- Health Savings Accounts have become accepted as a mainstream healthcare option, a survey conducted for a U.S. HSA administrator indicates.

HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, one of the nation's HSA administrators, released results of a survey that illustrates people with an HSA-compatible health plan have similar characteristics -- including age, health and income -- as those with traditional health plans such as health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations.

The survey says 58 percent of those with HSAs and 61 percent of traditional plans were age 45 or older, while 94.9 percent of those with HSAs considered themselves of average or better health, compared to 93.9 percent of those with traditional plans.

The survey also says 44 percent of those with HSAs and 45 percent with the traditional plans earned an annual household income ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.

"Since the HSA became available in 2004, opponents have argued that the accounts are only beneficial for the young, healthy and wealthy," Itamar Romanini, senior vice president at HSA Bank, said in a statement. "Our survey results are a strong indication that HSAs can benefit anyone, and have joined the ranks of other mainstream healthcare options like PPOs and HMOs."

No additional survey details were provided.