They have been around in some form since either Bush Sr. or Clinton. I have seen an increase in scope in my mine in the last 2 or 3 years, but I don't know if that is due to some legal change or just the expanded popularity of them.
Depends on the plan administrator. We used all of what I was going to pay in over the course of a year in the second month (Feb.). I just had to stay in the plan all year to pay it off (or if I'd have quit, I likely would have had to pay back). My first child was born in Feb. I hadn't participated in an HSA before, so when we had a chance to sign up in December, I went for the max (since I knew my wife would have a C section). Worked perfectly. Everything was paid and reimbursed, and I just had to stay in the plant he rest of the year.
Had the "pitch" today, I told them I don't think it'd be good versus the current PPO plan and eventually they agreed. Like if I get a cold, have to go to the doctors then I have to pay like $400 for the visit and exam, etc.....versus the $20 deductible...just seemed like a lose lose for me. Insurance guy saw it from my perspective though...staying put for the time being. full price for prescriptions too. fuck that.
Insurance companies and the government are EXPERTS at fucking you in the ASS and making you think it's cool.
