Our discussion this morning with State Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo was supposed to focus mainly on the issue of Health Savings Accounts and high deductible health plans.  We found out that Lembo has been working with Senator Chris Dodd on a series of healthcare "town hall" type forums CT Prescriptions for Change (one being tomorrow) - which we felt it was important to talk about as well.  At the end of the day we weren't able to cover the topic as thoroughly as we hoped.  We'll definitely revisit this topic in the future. 

As part of a "consumer-directed health plan" the patient will bear more of the financial burden in initial healthcare spending.  The patient takes on the responsibility of hunting down affordable healthcare.  So the patient needs to understand what exactly they are getting themselves into. 

Kevin Lembo says, "Buyer Beware". 

Here are some links for more information on the pros and cons of HSA's/High Deductible Health Plans. 

Consumer Health Action Network, HSA: Avoiding the Consumer Traps

U.S. Department of Treasury, Health Savings Accounts

U.S. Department of Treasury, HSA Frequently Asked Questions

National Conference of State Legislatures, State Legislation and Actions on HSA's and Consumer-Directed Health Plans

National Association of Health Underwriters, Consumer Guide to HSA's

Families USA,  HSAs: Shop While you Drop?