Can MSAs work for Medicare?

Article Abstract:

A new form of health insurance for Medicare coverage is being considered by Congress, referred to as medical savings accounts (MSA). MSAs, designed after individual retirement accounts, would provide a limited amount of funds to the individual to be used to pay expenses below a high deductible. Individuals who are frugal with their funds would be allowed to either take the remaining funds as income or roll over any remaining funds they have into their account. Concerns have been expressed over the potential for inequities to exist stemming from these accounts.

Medicare B, Medicare A, Analysis, Finance, Medicare

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MSA debate slows insurance reform

Article Abstract:

Congress and the Clinton administration want to pass health insurance legislation, but they are divided by partisan issues such as provisions for medical savings accounts (MSAs). As of Jun 9, 1996, even Republican legislators differ among themselves about the tax-free status of MSAs, as well as coverage for mental illness and limits for malpractice suits. The Joint Committee on Taxation reports that only 7.6% of insured persons in the US would qualify for the tax benefits under current proposals for MSAs.

Laws, regulations and rules, Malpractice, Medical savings accounts

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Medigap or managed care?

Article Abstract:

A survey by Families USA found that premiums rose sharply in 1996 for the 70% of Medicare's 38 million enrollees who buy medical insurance policies, known as "medigap," to cover Medicare co-pay. The high premiums are likely to drive the elderly into managed care, which could drive premiums even higher. Families USA and the American Assn. of Retired Persons advocate regulatory reforms to control medigap premiums.

Prices and rates, Health care industry, Political activity, Insurance industry, AARP, Medigap, Families USA

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