New analysis suggests many uninsured lack assets to handle cost sharing demands of high deductible p

Researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation released a new analysis examining the amount of assets that uninsured families have available to pay for cost sharing requirements of consumer-directed health plans (Source: "Modest Number Of Uninsured Families Have Sufficient Assets To Cover Cost Sharing In HSA-Qualified Plans," Press Release, Kaiser Family Foundation, April 15, 2008).  Their research, which is currently available through free online access at the Health Affairs website, found that only 33 percent of families with at least two uninsured members had gross financial assets of $2,000, the minimum deductible for an HSA-qualified family health plan.  In addition, only 9 percent had assets greater than the $10,000 out-of-pocket maximum for such plans.

The study also found a significant gap in assets between uninsured and insured individuals, even for people with low incomes (less than 300 percent of poverty).  Uninsured low-income families had assets of $300, on average, compared with $900 for insured low income families.

According to the authors, "Although lower premiums may increase the ability of the uninsured to buy some coverage, high out-of-pocket liability may leave families exposed to costs that they cannot meet. Paying premiums for a policy that exposes the uninsured to unaffordable medical bills may be viewed as an uneconomical use of their limited assets."