Type of account to which only the employer can contribute and in which workers do not put their own funds. It is used to pay medical expenses for employees. An employer may keep the money in the account if a worker quits. Also see consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) .
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HRAs are similar to FSAs in that they allow account holders and their dependents to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars that are provided by an employer. Unlike FSAs, and at the end of the year unused funds remain in the account for later use.

Type of tax-favored savings plan in which a working person can deposit money in an HSA and deduct the amount of the deposits from taxable income. Withdrawal from an HSA is tax free when used for qualifying medical expenses. Money left unspent in an HSA may be rolled over year after year. HSAs are open to anyone younger than 65 years of age who enrolls in a high-deductible (e.g., more than $1000/individual or $2000/family) health plan (HDHP). Employers pay the monthly premiums. Also see consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) .
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HSAs are similar to FSAs and HRAs in that they allow account holders and their dependents to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars that are either provided by an employer or through a voluntary salary reduction agreement. Unlike FSAs, and at the end of the year unused funds remain in the account for later use. To be eligible to contribute to an HSA, a person must be enrolled in a high deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Detailed contract describing enrollment, eligibility limitations, and benefits that an insurance plan will pay and services and procedures that are covered under the managed care plan. It is given to each enrolled group.

Medical services, given to individuals, that provide health care that may contribute either directly or indirectly to the physical or mental health and well-being of patients. These may be physicians’ services, hospital services, acupuncture, alternative therapies, assisted living care, chiropractic care, dental care, drugs, home nursing care, skilled nursing care, and vision care.

Form or section of a form that an insurance applicant completes to verify his or her own and dependents’ health so that they can obtain membership in a managed care plan or become insured by an insurance company.

Statistical measurement of a certain individual’s or population’s health based on the individual’s or population’s own assessment; the incidence or prevalence of illness; or mortality and morbidity tables.

All medical services, functions, and resources within a geographical region that exist to affect the state of the health of that given population.

Attempts by the U.S. government to enact legislation to assist in reducing medical costs, increase access of health care, and establish a national health insurance program. Formerly known as health care reform .

Agency funded by the federal government and states to provide services that include health planning, resource development, monitoring, education, and information for the population of a certain region within a state.