How do MSAs reduce health care costs?
MSAs reduce costs by turning the covered person from a user of health care services, with no concern about the cost of what they consume, into a purchaser of care with an economic interest in their health care purchasing decisions. Experiences of those with MSA plans show that covered persons shop for care, question costs, and frequently find provider discounts when providers realize the patient is paying directly for the care. These market forces complement other activities to reduce costs, and increase efficiency in the health care system. How do MSAs encourage the use of preventive care? Because MSAs provide first-dollar benefits, they eliminate the barriers which hinder routine or preventive care. Under traditional plans, even minimal deductibles and co-pays often provide an incentive to skip needed health care. MSAs go farther than any other plan to ensure that families can afford access to routine and preventive care when they want and need it. Additionally, Golden Rule’s own exp
