Health Savings Accounts Fastest Growing Area of the Healthcare Market, According to Healthcare Executive Survey

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2006--When asked which areas within the healthcare market they saw growing the fastest over the next year, thirty-six percent (36%) of healthcare insurance executives said they believed health savings accounts/high deductible plans will see the most significant growth, followed by minimed plans (13%) and Medicare/Medicaid advantage plans (12%). This finding was from a survey conducted at the seventh annual American Re HealthCare Symposium

The survey's results highlighted other areas of concern for healthcare executives. "As many strengthen their belief that the U.S. healthcare system is in urgent need of a better balance, the debate for reform intensifies," said Robert Trainer, President, American Re HealthCare. "Our annual Symposium, which brings together leaders from throughout the healthcare field, facilitates this debate."

One such area of concern is the increasing cost of healthcare. Forty-four percent (44%) agreed that the escalating cost of healthcare in the U.S. is "becoming too expensive for employers to provide at current levels," and 24% agreed the cost was becoming an impediment to firms competing internationally.

The survey was completed by over 100 CEO and CFO-level executives from a broad range of healthcare insurance carriers, reinsurance intermediaries, managing general underwriters and third-party administrators. A copy of the results are available online at www.americanrehealthcare.com

The survey was conducted at the seventh annual American Re HealthCare Symposium, a premier healthcare industry event. Attendees heard presentations from a variety of speakers, including former HHS Tommy Thompson and author Michael Treacy. The symposium was held March 27 and 28 in Scottsdale, AZ.

American Re HealthCare, a division of American Re-Insurance Company, provides comprehensive, innovative, and flexible healthcare risk transfer solutions to primary insurance carriers, directly and via reinsurance intermediaries, managing general underwriters, and third-party administrators. Solutions combine underwriting, actuarial, and clinical expertise with exceptional financial strength.

American Re, a member of the Munich Re Group, is one of the leading providers of reinsurance in the United States. The Munich Re Group, whose business also includes primary insurance and asset management, has a preeminent position in the global reinsurance industry.

Contacts
American Re-Insurance Company
Terese Rosenthal, 609-243-4339
trosenthal@amre.com