·First of all, companies who take time to identify and assess strengths and weaknesses of their current employees are wisely protecting themselves from costs associated with unnecessary terminations and increased recruiting efforts.

·Secondly, when employees are performing in positions that best suit their interests, skills, and personalities, they are less likely to leave.

·Finally, properly cast employees tend to get more work accomplished. When more work can be accomplished by fewer people, pressure is reduced to find more people in a job market in which top prospects are scarce.

Have you taken inventory of your human assets lately?

Copyright 2001, Mason Duchatschek

4.MSAs reduce income taxes. The amount you elect to deposit into your MSA account each year is deducted directly from your taxable income in same manner as a IRA account – regardless of whether you spend it or just save it. Interest and investment earnings in a MSA are also tax-free. For average person, for every dollar that you put into your MSA, your taxes will be reduced by about $.25 even if you do not incur any medical expenses.

5.You must have a qualifying MSA-type health insurance plan in place first before you can open a Medical Savings Account. These insurance plans are available to most self-employed persons (one person businesses) and small business firms with 2-50 employees.

6.It is possible to open up a MSA Account with a separate company than your MSA insurance but this is not recommended and will certainly cost you significantly more. It always makes more sense to have your MSA deposit account and your insurance with same company.

7.It takes 4-6 weeks to actually get a MSA plan started and delivered to you. Short term coverage is available during interim period at www.medsave.com . Coverage may be bound or issued within 24 hours but it takes longer to receive ID cards and a printed policy.

8.The most popular type of traditional MSA plans are not available to individuals and businesses residing in AK, HI, KY, MA, ME, NJ, NC, NH, NY, RI, UT, VT and WA. In those states, it is best to check with your local managed care plan providers for MSA options.

9.You should not use a MSA plan when management of your existing medical costs is more important to you than achieving a savings in insurance premiums. Do not change health plans in middle of ongoing medical treatments, when a major health issue has been diagnosed, or when any family member is pregnant.

10.There is usually no fee or commissions for medical savings accounts although some custodial firms do charge a fee. Completely free no-load Medical Savings Accounts are available at www.medsave.com . The amount that you deposit and withdrawal from your MSA are totaling at your discretion (up maximum deduction allowed each year).