WorldatWork and National Business Group on Health Co-Develop E-Learning Program on HSA Fundamentals

Health Savings Accounts have created quite a stir ever since the tax-free savings vehicle was introduced as part of the Medicare Modernization Act in December 2003. In response to customer demand for HSA education, WorldatWork and National Business Group on Health have teamed to create an e-learning program entitled ìHSA Fundamentals ñ Key Components and Operational Requirements of Health Savings Accounts.î The e-learning course was developed to meet the needs of benefits professionals, HR generalists, and management seeking a better understanding of the trend towards more consumer-directed health care, with HSAs as a potential plan design component. ìCommunication and education is key to the successful implementation of HSAs. These savings vehicles may offer organizations a cost-effective mechanism to achieve health care cost containment and offer employees more choice,î said Lenny Sanicola, CBP, WorldatWork benefits practice leader.

HSA Fundamentals E-Learning provides an overview of the key components and operational requirements of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Participants will identify and explore eligibility and contribution requirements, implementation options for employers, and distribution guidelines.

The program covers the following topics:

Key components of HSAs
Eligibility requirements and restrictions
Contribution limits and specifications
Employer implementation options
Distribution guidelines

With HSA Fundamentals E-Learning, companies can train one employee at a time or the entire HR department. Just 30-minutes long, the course is available online 24/7. The cost for 1-5 users is $49 (per user) for members and $64 for nonmembers.

ìAs more and more companies adopt HSAs as part of their benefit programs, having HR staff who truly understand how these plans work will be critical to their success,î said Helen Darling, President of the Business Group. ìThis e-learning program will give participants the information and knowledge theyíll need to effectively administer HSAs.î

For more information or to register, contact WorldatWork Customer Relationship Services at 877/951-9191 or visit the ìE-Learningî page at www.worldatwork.org/education.