Employers must choose an HSA qualified plan with 100% coverage above the deductible. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont offers HSA qualified plans with 100% coverage after the deductible is met. It is no coincidence that 70% of all broker business in 2005 brought to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont was either 100% replacement HSAs, or included an HSA option. It is their best selling policy.

Employers need to shop for an HSA qualified health plan which has the deductible equal to the maximum out-of-pocket cost; which is insurance-speak for once you pay your deductible you are covered 100% — for everything.

Employer must also fund the account and those that fully fund the account, and use a HSA health plan with 100% coverage above the deductible, will find employees very receptive.

The key, again, is an HSA qualified health plan with 100% coverage above the deductible. This will dramatically reduce the amount of anxiety among employees about their higher deductible, and will cause a significantly higher adoption rate.

Plus, a plan with 100% coverage above the deductible is much easier to explain.