6 things to know about HSAs 

The latest figures from America's Health Insurance Plans tell the story: Enrollment in Health Savings Accounts has reached nearly 15.5 million, growing by almost 15 percent since last year and more than tripling in the past six years.

HSAs, for the uninitiated, are a central element in the so-called consumer-driven health care realm, designed to give individuals more control where and how their health care dollars are spent.

AHIP notes that the greatest enrollment increases in HSAs were in the large group market, which represents nearly 70 percent of all enrollment in health savings account/high-deductible health plans.

If your company is considering an HSA, here are the answers to six important questions:  Read More

UnitedHealthcare bets big on ACOs

UnitedHealthcare said Wednesday it expects to more than double its accountable care contracts over the next five years, from $20 billion to $50 billion.

The nation's largest health insurance company said the move will help transform how health care is delivered, paid for and rewarded.

Under the ACO model - which brings together groups of hospitals, doctors and other health providers to direct patient care - organizations are paid for caring for a pool of patients rather than for each procedure. Groups receive a percentage of the savings they generate for Medicare as an incentive for keeping costs low. 

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