Milwaukee, WI March  9, 2021 — HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, N.A., today released its fourth annual HSA Bank Health & Wealth Index^SM, a report that explores trends in consumer financial and physical health.

A total of 2,000 U.S. adults were surveyed about their health plan enrollment status, health practices, ability to pay for healthcare, and confidence in their own health and wealth. Each consumer received a combined health and wealth score between zero and 100. The average consumer was found to be moderately engaged in their health and wealth with an average index score of 57.4, increasing from 56.4 in 2020, highlighting that Americans are effectively navigating challenges due to the pandemic.

The survey revealed that 89 percent of consumers agree that their health insurance plan helps them get the medical services needed while managing costs, which has been of critical importance during the pandemic. The survey also found that more than half of respondents accessed healthcare through telehealth in the last year, providing access to care without leaving the safety and comfort of home.

HSA Bank has been running this survey annually for the past four years, giving these insights context and depth.

Key findings from the 2021 HSA Bank Health & Wealth Index℠ revealed:

• Future financial preparedness for older Americans is a concern.
  30 percent of respondents 55 and older never save for future medical expenses.

• Employers should focus on education surrounding healthcare costs.
  The survey showed that Generation Z continues to be the least educated about their plan costs, followed by millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers.

• The pandemic led to a renewed interest in lifestyle changes.
  82 percent of respondents agreed that they made lifestyle changes to improve their health in the past year, including 80 percent of those 65 and older.

• Americans are still wary of in-person appointments.
  The percentage of those receiving preventive health services and screenings decreased dramatically.

"This was an unprecedented year for employers and employees alike. We’re encouraged to see that employees stayed positive with their health and wealth engagement, but we also see opportunities for employers to update their healthcare offerings,” said Chad Wilkins, president of HSA Bank. “HSA Bank works with employers every day on revisions to plans, such as adding wellness incentives, promoting preventive care and adjusting educational initiatives to account for virtual engagement. We’re excited to see how we can help employers continue to improve engagement using the tools and resources we offer."

The full report is available to view online at hsabank.com/index2021report.