Health cafeteria plans.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

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In an effort to make insurance coverage available and more affordable--and to increase the number of people who use commercial health insurance--several states have expanded the use of health premium cafeteria plans.

A cafeteria plan allows employees to contribute a certain amount of their gross income to a designated account before taxes are calculated. These accounts are for insurance premiums, medical care and expenses not covered by insurance. Employees can be reimbursed throughout the year or as they incur expenses.

A cafeteria plan allows participants to reduce their gross income, thereby reducing the amount they pay in federal, Social...