By year-end 2011, health savings accounts surpassed $12.4 billion in nearly 6.8 million accounts, according to market research from broker/dealer firm Devenir.

The company surveyed the top 50 HSA providers in the health savings account market, and predicts the HSA market will reach $27.6 billion in assets by the end of 2015.

“We continue to see strong growth in the HSA marketplace as well as steady increases in average balances”, said Eric Remjeske, president and co-founder, in a a statement.

Key findings from the Devenir December 2011 survey and research report:

• Steady growth. HSAs continue to see consistent growth as the total number of HSA accounts rose to almost 6.8 million with assets totaling $12.4 billion, a year over year increase of almost 20 percent for accounts and a nearly 26 percent increase in assets for the period from December 31st, 2010 to December 31st, 2011.
• Average account balances at the end of 2011 grew to $1,841 from $1,751 at the end 2010, a 5.1 percent increase. When you eliminate identified zero balance accounts that average rises to $2,179.
• Existing accounts average balances have grown at an average of 31 percent each year from the year they were opened since 2005.
• Contributions and withdrawals. HSA accountholders carried forward 24 percent of their contributions over the past year into 2012.
• HSA investment dollars continue to grow.  HSA investment assets reached an estimated $960 million in December, a 34 percent year over year increase and are projected to reach $4.7 billion by end of 2015.