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STUDIES
 Medical Savings Accounts Study This study was prompted by the following thesis: Properly structured and designed MSA programs ensure reasonable financial access and affordable health insurance; maintain appropriate quality of care; control inordinate health services cost growth; and satisfy participating sponsors, employers, providers, and patients. In addition to examining the validity of this thesis, our study proposes to expand public knowledge of existing types of MSA programs—what they are; how they differ in type; how they work; and how well they work. Expanded knowledge about Medical Savings Accounts can be used to develop health benefits programs for interested employers, employees and individuals. The fundamental concepts identified in selected medical savings account programs in the workplace are discussed. Features observed in these Medical Savings Account Plans are defined. Benefits derived from the experience of employers and employees participating in MSA insurance coverage are evaluated. Findings reported in a detailed employee survey about satisfaction, acceptability, and effectiveness of their MSA benefit are included and discussed. In addition, this report summarizes state legislation enacted and pending in support of Medical Savings Account Plans. Finally, it outlines a basic model of Medical Savings Accounts Plans, enabling employers to consider and include them as a health benefit option in their employee compensation package.
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1 Part Honesty; 2 Parts Arrogance At a March 23, 2005, House Appropriations hearing on a bill to gut the voter-approved I-601 spending limit, Rep. Jim McIntire (D) asked a supporter of I-601’s two-third supermajority requirement for the legislature to raise taxes the following question: "Can you name a time when we [legislators] have actually not just set it [supermajority requirement] aside by majority vote? I mean, this is in many respects a procedural motion that has no bearing. It’s a statutory constraint that cannot constrain any legislature that chooses as a majority to set it aside . . . have we ever used a supermajority [to raise taxes]?" - Rep. Jim McIntire (D - 46) Despite the arrogance of some state officials, Washington's constitution is clear: "All political power is inherent in the people..." |
