Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Care Consumers' Decisions Have Financial Impact
Consumers may drive across town to save a few bucks on a gallon of gas or $1 on a gallon of milk, but when it comes to health care, those same buyers aren鈥檛 as price-conscious. That is a problem for companies as health costs continue to rise, and it鈥檚 increasingly a problem for workers, too, as high-deductible health plans force employees to spend more out of pocket. (Silverman, 11/1)
November is typically open enrollment time for millions who get health insurance, disability insurance and other benefits from an employer. If you鈥檙e one of them, among your important choices is whether you want a flexible spending account and how much money to deposit. FSAs are available through some employers as a part of benefits packages. You can spend FSA money only on 鈥渜ualified medical expenses,鈥 which are determined by the IRS. (Glover, 11/2)