Four federal agencies will be required to compile information about the quality and price of care they pay for and share that information with their customers and each other.

With last week’s release of the July 2006 inflation figures, only one month remains until the inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) for 2007 will be known, says Roy Ramthun, President of newly-formed HSA Consulting Services.  “Looking at the past 11 months of data indicates that the most likely amount for the maximum HSA contribution (not including catch-up contributions) will be $2,850 for self-only coverage, and $5,650 for family coverage in 2007.”  The annual catch-up contribution for individuals age 55 or older is set by statute and will be $800 per person for 2007.

Washington Research Associates, Inc., a Washington DC-based investigative firm, has launched its new E-MedicalTrace.com website, which helps insurance companies and attorneys detect insurance fraud and misrepresentation, especially in workers compensation and personal injury claims.

The large scale expansion of banks offering CDH products grew when Chicago, IL-based LaSalle bank teamed with ConnectYourCare for an integrated HSA-HRA-FSA solution. LaSalle Bank announced that a newly formed healthcare subsidiary, LaSalle Healthcare Administrative Services LLC will offer a full-service, customizable payment platform to employers, health plans and TPAs.

Defying critics and demonstrating resilient expansion, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) continued their strong growth trajectory with indications that this fall’s sign-ups will significantly exceed estimates.

The Fifth Annual Business Outlook Survey begins this month and Information Strategies needs your input.

Kaiser Permanente has announced the launch of Custom Care HealthInvestor (HSA), (Health Savings Account) in its California regions beginning January 1, 2007. The California regions now join Georgia, Colorado, Mid-Atlantic States, and the Northwest regions in offering HealthInvestor (HSA) products which pair a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a health savings account option.