RIDGEFIELD, N.J. -- Information Strategies, Inc. has issued a new estimate on year-end and future growth based on interviews with HSA, CDH and more traditional plan users as well as corporate and custodial managers.
"Many people are just now learning about the changes effected in the closing days of the last congress and they are taking advantage of the new higher savings limits and the greater flexibility in rules," said ISI President/CEO JoAnn M. Laing.
ISI expects these changes, which some in Congress indicated they would like modified, to drive the popularity of HSAs even higher.
According to ISI, the number of HSAs will reach 8 million and deposits in custodial accounts will total $13.6 billion at year-end. In addition, average accounts will pass the $1,700 mark with those accounts being in existence two or more years hovering at $4,400. Some 22% of employers will offer HSAs and more than 40% of all companies will fund 50% or more of the first year's deductible. The number of institutions offering HSA custodial accounts will pass 1,600 with investment options for custodial accounts becoming more numerous and diverse. It is also estimated that online portals and other integrated offerings will surge in the fourth quarter and the new HSA-insured will total 18 million.
The projections are based on ISI surveys of over 400 custodial institutions, 2,300 companies as well as 2,000 Americans about their HSA plans.
In the past 30 months, the company has interviewed or survey almost 20,000 Americans.
"What we are seeing is a growing desire by respondents to take more control of their healthcare and retirement efforts," said Laing. "Clearly HSAs, along with Health Reimbursement Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts are gaining popularity both with individuals and employers of all sizes."
