Something troubles me. As a businessman, I can't help but wonder how the President/CEO of an Insurance Company faces his/her Board of Directors or Investors and states: "Our administrative costs are maintaining last years levels, claims are as expected and our new HSA Product takes in less revenue than our other products."

While some insurance companies are carefully looking at HSAs as a viable product, others are hotly pushing them as a surface solution. Or, maybe what they'e getting is a short-term fix to a bigger problem.

Remember, Insurance Companies are "For Profit" entities. To think that they are willing to alter their revenue stream permanently is a sheer fallacy. So, what does the future hold you might ask? Good question! I personally think that the jury has yet to hear all the evidence in this area.

The idea that consumer driven health spending will decrease the overall claims experience of individuals, --and therefore, the company they work for, -- all sounds good. However, I can't help but feel like most health services are not up for "street side" negotiating on their costs. To a degree, yes you can shop for some services provided you change your health care persona. How many of you shop for the best deal on a big screen TV or other household items? Will you apply that same tenacity to an MRI, root canal, crown or knee replacement surgery? How far will this go? How many years can we count on this working? Is every state on board with this? Are hospitals and service providers cooperative? These are all very important things to think about.

Another troubling area. Most Trustees guarantee an individual's account with some interest earnings should he/she maintain a minimum balance or he/she receives a minimum monthly contribution. If a minimum balance is not maintained, then he/she will incur a monthly maintenance fee of around $8.00 let's say. Since the majority of us have health needs, maintaining a minimum balance will be difficult and at the very least, inconvenient. Therefore, continued contributions are our best bet ... that is, if the company we work for continues to offer the program and funds it.

One more question, can we afford to fund it or not to get sick?

This is something to think about.