Galen Institute

IN THIS ISSUE: ? We are devoting this issue solely to the new regulations released by the IRS - Notice 2004-50 The Internal Revenue Service has issued what will likely be the last guidance on HSAs for 2004. The new rules should help speed HSA programs to market by clarifying the last lingering questions about how exactly HSAs will work. Importantly, the Service has clarified once and for all … [Read more...] about IRS Issues Final Rules for HSAs

A new option to help reduce health costs is the buzz in corporate boardrooms and in small businesses across America in their desperate effort to reduce soaring insurance costs. They are looking at Health Savings Accounts to provide a different set of incentives in financing health care for their employees. The U.S. Treasury Department has been ?overwhelmed? by inquiries from companies who are … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts Gain Popularity

Heated criticism of the new Medicare drug discount cards is discouraging many seniors from enrolling in the program, but several new studies show those who don?t sign up could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Medicare?s new prescription drug discount card program offers seniors the opportunity to enroll in private drug card plans, and also provides $600 in government subsidies this … [Read more...] about Studies Show Temporary Drug Program Offers Value to Seniors

A new option to help reduce health costs is the buzz in corporate boardrooms and in small businesses across America in their desperate effort to reduce soaring insurance costs. They are looking at Health Savings Accounts to provide a different set of incentives in financing health care for their employees. The U.S. Treasury Department has been ?overwhelmed? by inquiries from companies who are … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts Gain Popularity

It was distressing to read that Rep. James Moran thinks that the new Medicare Drug Discount Cards will be of little value to seniors. Recent studies showing the full value of the program to seniors contradict that view. For example: The Business Roundtable (BRT) did a state-by-state analysis and found that 2,168 seniors in Rep. Moran's 8th congressional district are eligible for the $600 cash … [Read more...] about How Prescription Drug Law Works

Heated criticism of the new Medicare drug discount cards is discouraging many seniors from enrolling in the program, but several new studies show those who don?t sign up could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Medicare?s new prescription drug discount card program offers seniors the opportunity to enroll in private drug card plans, and also provides $600 in government subsidies this … [Read more...] about Studies Show Temporary Drug Program Offers Value to Seniors

It was distressing to read that Rep. James Moran thinks that the new Medicare Drug Discount Cards will be of little value to seniors. Recent studies showing the full value of the program to seniors contradict that view. For example: The Business Roundtable (BRT) did a state-by-state analysis and found that 2,168 seniors in Rep. Moran's 8th congressional district are eligible for the $600 … [Read more...] about How Prescription Drug Law Works

IN THIS ISSUE: ? Consumer Choice Community Up and Running ? MA Creates Constitutional Right to Health Care ? HSA Product Development at Fevered Pitch ? CIGNA Survey Finds Consumer Appeal in HSAs ? Communication Key to Consumer Driven Health ? Education Key to HSAs - Akron Beacon Journal Consumer Choice Community Up and Running Wow, it is great to be back from vacation and discover what … [Read more...] about HSA Product Development at Fevered Pitch