AHIP Launches Unique Online Resource on Health Savings Accounts

AHIP Launches Unique Online Resource on Health Savings Accounts

Cosponsors Online Learning Center for Small Businesses with SBA

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) today launched http://www.hsadecisions.org/, the online clearing house and educational resource for consumer information on Health Saving Accounts (HSAs). Created in response to growing interest in this new health care option, the Web site provides consumers with current, accurate and understandable HSA information.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040830/AHIPLOGO )

"With the click of a mouse, all Americans now can access a valuable, consumer-friendly resource that offers the latest information on an important health insurance option -- it's one-stop shopping," said AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni. "HSADecisions.org serves as an important example of the role public-private partnerships can and do play in helping consumers and small businesses make better health care decisions."

In addition, the site will include HSA consumer stories and testimonials and breaking news and interviews with some of the nation's leading health care luminaries: in January 2005, Roy Ramthun, Senior Advisor on Health Initiatives for the U.S. Department of Treasury, answers frequently asked questions about HSAs. HSADecisions.org also provides additional details about other high deductible health plans offered by health insurance companies.

"Everything a consumer wants and needs to know about HSAs and high deductible health plans can be found on our Web site or you can ask our experts if you have further questions," Ignagni said. "The site also offers stories and testimonials from consumers who have purchased HSAs."

HSADecisions.org also provides a list of insurers who offer HSAs and other high deductible health plans and contact information for experts. The Web site will be updated on a regular basis to ensure consumers have access to the most recent and most accurate information.

The Web site also hosts an online Learning Center cosponsored with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Learning Center contains educational materials and features an online library and glossary to help consumers and small businesses better understand available HSA options.

"HSA's, signed into law by President Bush in December 2003, will help individuals and businesses save a substantial amount on health insurance premiums and gain more control over their health care spending," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "The Learning Center will be a helpful resource for small businesses considering this new and innovative health care product. The Learning Center will help answer common questions about HSAs and guide the small business community through the process of purchasing an HSA."

SBA's participation in this cosponsorship is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs, services and cosponsored activities are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorization No: 04-6500-56

America's Health Insurance Plans -- Providing Health Benefits to More Than 200 Million Americans

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040830/AHIPLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: America's Health Insurance Plans

CONTACT: Mohit Ghose of America's Health Insurance Plans,
+1-202-778-8494

Web site: http://www.ahip.net/
http://www.hsadecisions.org/


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