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Think high-deductible plans aren’t worth it? Think again.
What’s A High Deductible Health Plan?
Officially speaking, High Deductible Health Plans are health insurance plans that carry deductibles greater than $2800 for families and greater than $1400 for a single person. On average, most high deductible plans have even higher deductibles- over $4000 per individual and over $8000 per family.
In addition, these plans also have yearly out-of-pocket maximums. An out-of-pocket maximum is the highest amount you will pay for healthcare on your own. By law, the maximum can’t be over $7000 for an individual and $14k for a family (note: these are 2021 legal limits; the amounts will increase slightly in 2022).
The advantage of these plans is that they typically have a lower premium (the monthly payment for health insurance) than other health insurance coverage- their premiums are sometimes half or even less than half of the cost of other plans.
Who Should Buy A High Deductible Health Plan?
If you’re someone who visits the doctor or pharmacy often, you should probably steer clear of high-deductible plans, as the costs that you’ll accrue will probably outweigh the savings on the premium.
If you don’t use health care often, then a high deductible plan is probably worth your consideration. When it comes to choosing whether or not to purchase health insurance, it’s best to err on the side of caution- and an HDHP is the least cautious way to go. Many people who purchase these plans are just looking for a safety net in case of a serious unexpected emergency.
Also, if you don’t have any major chronic health conditions and don’t visit specialists, these plans are a good fit for you. Lastly, if you don’t have any small children, then high deductible plans are a good way to go- small children tend to need more healthcare than others.
How Can I Get My Money’s Worth From A High-Deductible Plan?
The first way to get your money’s worth from a high deductible plan? To quote a classic Motown song: you better shop around. Know which services can be accessed via urgent care- urgent care is usually much less expensive than ER care. Also, if you inform healthcare providers up front that you intend to pay cash for services, then you may be able to obtain a discount. Also, if you know in advance that you’ll need to visit a hospital for a certain reason, hospitals are legally required to post their prices online.
The second way to get the best out of a HDHP? Get a health savings account – more commonly and more simply called an HSA. A health savings account is a special savings account that can only be used for medical expenses. They’re special because they’re tax-free and may even help with saving for retirement. Only certain plans are eligible for HSAs, so let your HealthPlanOptionsToday team member know that you’re interested in this option.
Picking the Health Plan That’s Right For You
Choosing the proper healthcare plan can feel complex, but it isn’t rocket science. The team at HealthPlanOptionsToday is here to help. We’ll take the time and care to understand your individual needs and budget, and will curate a personalized health plan selection just for you. Call us at 855-218-34479 or click the button below, and we’ll be happy to get in touch with you.
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