How Does A High Deductible Plan (HSA) Work? – Deduct Health Expenses

Health insurance costs are often expensive, and HSA plans should be at the top of your shopping list. Exchange plans feature lower premiums if you qualify for a federal subsidy. But for upper-income earners, the Marketplace plans are often more expensive than older grandfathered plans and last year's policies. So for many persons, a high deductible plan (HDHP)  has become a viable solution for large and small companies that offer medical benefits to their employees. But the self-employed or anyone paying their own benefits can also benefit from favorable tax laws that impact HSAs.
  

With this type of policy, premiums are much lower than a conventional on or off-Exchange plan, although the subscriber must pay medical costs out of their own pocket up to a certain dollar amount (called a deductible) before the health insurance benefits will apply. However, until that point, a negotiated price reduction will reduce out-of-pocket expenses. And often, the negotiated savings is huge, easily saving hundreds or thousands of dollars. The cost of prescription drugs (generic and non-generic) also is discounted.
 

For example, the cost of a $250 x-ray may reduce to between $50 and $150, thanks to the insurance company's contract with the provider. The cost of a simple lab test or blood test may be reduced by as much as 90%. More expensive procedures, such as an MRI or CAT scan, will reduce in price by hundreds of dollars (and possibly thousands), depending on the scope of the test. Specialist visits and outpatient surgeries typically will receive large negotiated price reductions. It's not uncommon to see the cost of a major invasive surgery (and accompanying expenses) reduce from $50,000 to $30,000.
 

Qualified preventative expenses, such as routine annual physicals, OB-GYN exams, and mammograms, are always covered at 100%. Many additional procedures, including a colonoscopy, are also covered with no out-of-pocket expenses. However if a polyp is discovered (cancerous or non-cancerous), typically the resulting treatment is not considered non-preventative. Follow up procedures to preventative treatment also may not be covered at 100%, although benefits will be provided, even if it was a pre-existing condition. Senior Medicare coverage is often treated differently.
 

Impact Of Obamacare
 

The ACA legislation (Obamacare) allows both individual and small business HSA plans to be compliant. Although they are not offered by as many companies and deductible choices have reduced, the overall concept has not changed and all tax reductions have remained in place. If you and/or most family members have no serious chronic medical conditions, there's a good chance an HSA will save you money, and reduce your tax liability when compared to other Marketplace options. In a worst case scenario, out-of-pocket expenses are capped, although a new deductible must be met each calendar year.
 

Therefore, if an approved elective surgery is planned, it's best to have the operation performed in the beginning of the year, so a yearly deductible can be met. The difference of having a major surgery in January vs. November or December can be thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.
 

Obamacare Legislation May Be Repealed

The Affordable Care Act Provided Federal Subsidies To Help Pay Health Insurance Costs


 

If you are currently being treated for an illness that requires frequent testing, treatment and medication (and possibly a pending surgical procedure), a more cost-effective Exchange plan would be a better choice. A "Silver" Metal policy is ideal if your income is low enough to qualify for a substantial financial subsidy. Your deductible and copays could substantially reduce with "cost-sharing" benefits. However, your household income must meet specific Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. If household income drastically increases throughout the year (new job, bonus, or promotion), it is possible that the premium could increase because of a lower subsidy.
 

Most older HSAs were previously considered "grandfathered" and were allowed to remain active, despite not meeting the new guidelines. However, instead of age 26, children could only stay on these types of plans until they reached age 24. It is important to note that if you change the deductible or significantly alter the policy, you could jeopardize the grandfathered status. This could result in the forced placing of a new policy that is thousands of dollars more expensive, with possible higher out-of-pocket costs.
 

If you missed the 2024 Open Enrollment (and millions of person do!), under certain circumstances, you can still purchase a subsidized (or unsubsidized) plan. However, you would have to meet one of the many "life events" that qualify for a special enrollment. For example, if your child turns 26 (while on your plan) or you no longer have benefits due to losing your job, these special circumstances would apply. Losing Medicaid eligibility may also qualify for an exception. Divorce, losing credible coverage, and moving to a different service area will also qualify, but you must enroll within the specified time limit.
 

Other exceptions include birth or adoption of a child, moving to or from a different service area, and a substantial change in income that impacts cost-sharing in a specific policy. You can contact us for the complete list. Proof of the event may be required, and projected income for the remainder of the year will be needed to determine eligibility and amount of subsidy. Only income from a current employer can be counted. Prospective job income can not be used for subsidy calculations. Anticipated investment income can also not be considered.
 

All State Marketplaces offer several HSA options. Deductibles can be as high as $8,050 per person and $16,100 per household. Minimum deductibles are $1,600 and $3,200. This allows premiums to be quite low compared to other types of available policies. Blue Cross (Blue Shield), Humana, Kaiser, Cigna, and Aetna are five of the largest providers of this type of plan, although most contracts are offered as Group options through an employer. Many smaller regional carriers offer policies, including Medical Mutual in Ohio, Hawaii Medical Service in Hawaii, Tufts in Massachusets, and Geisinger in Pennsylvania.
 

How Does A High Deductible Plan Work?
 

High deductible plans (HDHPs) can vary in the amount of the deductible, but the Internal Revenue Service has set a minimum for 2024 (see above) of $1,600 for an individual and $3,200 for family coverage. Deductibles can be much higher (see above), depending on the plan that you choose. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses for HDHP plans in 2024 (premiums not included) is $8,050 for individuals and $16,100 for families. These plans are the cheapest, and typically found in the Bronze tier. Silver-tier HSAs are offered, although rates are higher, and deductibles are lower.
 

While the thought of facing thousands of dollars in health insurance costs for anyone may seem daunting, most people enrolled in a high deductible plan utilize a health savings account (HSA). Almost all large insurers offer these types of plans and they have grown in popularity since they were originally introduced. They remain popular today because you have time to build up your fund in years that you don't meet a deductible. The maximum annual contributions (see above) are $4,150 for a single plan, and $8,300 for a family plan. Of course, you can choose to contribute a lower amount, or simply make no contributions during the year. Once eligible for Medicare, additional contributions can not be made, although prior accumulated contributions can be used for qualified expenses. An additional $1,000 of "catch-up" contributions can be made for persons age 55 and above.
 

Your Optional Side Account
 

You can also change HDHP plans without changing your HSA side account. For example, if your HDHP policy was with Blue Cross for the entire year, and you decided to change to Kaiser during Open Enrollment (effective Jan 1st the following year), you would not need to change the bank account that you utilize for funding and dispersing qualified expenses. And if you maintained a banking relationship with them through other accounts, you are probably receiving several financial perks. Often, you build "points," which can be exchanged for gift cards and other available rewards. Occasionally, a waiver of administrative fees (if applicable) can be negotiated.
 

This "side" account is used to fund your deductible in the event that it is ever needed. The concept of an HSA is that deposit money in a savings account that is designated for use when paying your health insurance deductible. Once the deductible has been met, the health insurance plan usually will provide more comprehensive benefits, typically at 100%, assuming there is no coinsurance or copays to meet. If you need medical coverage for children, this type of contract can still be used since dependents can be included. NOTE: It is not unusual to have different coinsurance levels (see below).
 

HSA Rates For Individuals

An HDHP Plan Will Reduce Your Premium

 

Typically, there is a deductible to meet on non-preventive office visits or non-generic prescriptions. Specialist visits, ER visits, and Urgent Care visits will have higher deductibles. Occasionally, a copay, instead of a deductible, will apply. The coinsurance is the percentage of a claim that you pay after the deductible is met. It may be 10% or 20% (sometimes as much as 50%), and will have an out-of-pocket cap so that you are not paying an absorbent amount on a major claim. Naturally, a higher coinsurance will save money, since you are taking more risk. However, if you submit a major claim, and easily meet the deductible, the coinsurance level does not impact your total out-of-pocket expenses.
 

Common deductible/coinsurance options are $8,050/0%, $6,400/0%, $6,400/30%, $5,250/0%, $5,250/30%, $5,000/0%, $5,000/20%, $4,000/50% and $4,000/20%. Of course, there are additional combinations offered by companies, depending on your residing state. 50% is typically the highest coinsurance offered. 20% is a benchmark and we don't recommend considering coinsurance above 30%. Generally, the most economical deductible for healthy families is $6,000 and above. You are also permitted to own separate HSAs in the same household.
 

Why Would I Consider This Policy?
 

An important reason to move to a high deductible plan is that you will save a substantial amount of money on health insurance premiums. For example, you may have a choice between a conventional Marketplace medical plan that could cost twice as much as a high deductible plan.  While you are saving thousands of dollars in premium, you may decide to contribute money into the side account that offers the flexibility of ownership and also the tax advantages. There are two ways (HSA and FSA) to accomplish this.
 

Health Savings Accounts
 

An HSA contains contributions made by you on a tax-free basis, to use toward medical, dental or vision expenses.  Money that sits unused in this type of account builds interest over time. However, interest rates were previously very low, so the investment incentive was not large. But the safety of a fixed interest rate should never be under-appreciated. The highest current interest rate available is about 4%. Within the next five years, we expect the rate to creep back down to 2% (or lower), as long-term interest rates and bond yields decrease.
 

Also available is a "Flexible Savings Account" (FSA). Money deposited into this type of contract is contributed on a "use it or lose it" basis, unlike an HSA where you can leave deposits alone without forfeiting them at the end of the year. This may explain the phenomenon of why consumers frantically buy glasses that they may not need during the last few weeks of December! Or perhaps they visit the dreaded dentist twice in the same month. Employers are allowed to offer a 2 1/2 month grace period to additional time to spend funds. An alternative is an immediate $500 carryover towards the following year. One, but not both options, can be made available by the employer.
 

FSA accounts are offered through selected employers, and allow you to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, prescription drugs and other medical expenses. Over-the-counter drugs must have a doctor's prescription, except for insulin. Many employers will deposit money into your account, although there is no obligation. The typical deposit is between $500 and $2,500 per year. The limit for employers is $3,600 per year. However, a spouse can also receive a separate $3,600 for their own employer-provided contract.
 

Will I Also Be Able To Buy These Plans Next Year?
 

Each State Exchange is unique, with multiple carrier and plan choices, although there are typically available options that qualify as HDHP contracts. While states like Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia have many companies offering products, smaller states may have limited options. For example, states with only one available carrier are Alabama, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, while nine other states only feature two carriers. So naturally, the selections in those states are limited.
 

California, for example, ("Covered California" is the name of the State Marketplace) previously, had no plans to offer HSA-compatible plans. Although this decision was very unpopular with many consumers that prefer to manage their own healthcare choices, there are now several choices. Several popular options are Oscar Bronze 60 HDHP EPO, Kaiser Bronze 60 HDHP HMO, Health Net Bronze 60 HDHP Ambetter PPO, and Blue California Bronze 60 HDHP PPO.
 

Open Enrollment takes place every year and we'll help you find the the best choice. Of course, if your state does not have a specific option that makes the most financial sense, we'll research and find the best alternative. It is expected, however, that more options may become available in many states in 2025. It's also possible that an additional Metal plan will be created (Copper?) that is cheaper than a Bronze plan.
 

Available HSA Plans In Marketplace
 

Listed below are popular HSA Exchange options that can be privately purchased. Only selected states are listed.
 

Alabama -- BCBS Blue HSA Bronze, Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA, and UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value HSA.

Arizona -- UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value HSA, BannerAetna Bronze 2 HSA, BCBS Blue Portfolio HSA Bronze, BCBS Blue PPO Portfolio HSA Gold, and Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA.

Colorado -- Kaiser Select CO Bronze 6500/35%/HSA, Kaiser Select CO Bronze 3700/20%/HSA, Kaiser KP CO Bronze 6500/35%/HSA, Rocky Mountain Health Plan Colorado Doctors Plan Bronze Value HSA, Elevate Health Plans Bronze HDHP, Cigna Connect HSA Bronze 6500, Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials HMO 7900 for HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway HMO 3200 for HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials HMO 7900 for HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway HMO 7900 for HSA, and Select Health Value Gold $1750 Medical Deductible HSA Qualified.

Florida -- Oscar Bronze Simple, Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA, Florida Blue BlueSelect Bronze HSA 1705, Florida Blue BlueSelect Bronze HSA 1735, Florida Blue BlueOptions Bronze, Florida Blue BlueCare Bronze HSA, Florida Health Care Plans Gym Access IND Bronze HMO HSA 5065, Florida Health Care Plans Gym Access IND Bronze HMO HSA 6060, Florida Health Care Plans Gym Access IND Gold HMO HSA 9010, HealthFirst Bronze HSA 1794, HealthFirst Bronze Gym Access HSA 1658, and HealthFirst Gold Gym Access HSA 1744.

Georgia -- Kaiser GA Signature Bronze 6500/40%/HSA, Kaiser GA Signature Silver 3500/20%/HSA, Friday Health Plans Bronze HSA, Friday Health Plans Silver HSA, Oscar Bronze Simple, Oscar Silver Simple, Cigna Connect HSA 7050, Anthem Bronze Pathway X Guided Access HMO 0% for HSA, CareSource Marketplace HSA Eligible Bronze, Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA, and Alliant SoloCare Bronze No Referral HMO HDHP.

Indiana -- Cigna Connect HSA 7050, Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials 6850 HSA, Anthem Silver Pathway Essentials 4500 HSA, Anthem Silver Pathway Essentials 4000 HSA, CareSource Marketplace HSA Eligible Bronze, Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver, and Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA.

Iowa -- Wellmark Bronze HDHP HMO, Oscar Bronze Simple, Oscar Gold Classic, Medica Insure Bronze HSA, and Medica Bronze HSA.

Kansas -- UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value HSA $6,700 Indiv Ded, UnitedHealthcare Silver Value HSA $5,400 Indiv Ded, Oscar Bronze Simple, Cigna Connect HSA 7050, Blue KC Saver Bronze 6500, BlueCare EPO Simple Bronze HDHP, BCBS BlueCare EPO Simple Silver HDHP, Ambetter Choice Bronze HSA, Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver, and Medica Bronze HSA.

Louisiana -- Vantage Health Plan Savings Bronze 7050, Vantage Health Plan Savings Bronze 5500, BCBS Blue Saver 60/40 $6100, BCBS Blue Saver 90/70 $3100, CHRISTUS Health Plan LA Bronze HSA,

Michigan -- Priority Health MyPriority HMO HSA Bronze 7050, Blue Cross Metro Detroit HMO Bronze Saver HSA, Blue Cross Select HMO Bronze Saver HSA, Blue Cross Preferred HMO Bronze Saver HSA, Blue Cross Premier PPO Bronze HSA, Blue Cross Premier PPO Silver Saver HSA, Ambetter Essential Care 2, McLaren Bronze Saver, Ascension Personalized Care HSA Eligible Bronze, Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver, UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value+, UnitedHealthcare Bronze Essential+ Silver, UnitedHealthcare Silver Value+, Physicians Health Plan Sparrow PHP Bronze 6900 HSA Exclusive, Physicians Health Plan Sparrow PHP Bronze 6900 HSA HMO, Oscar Bronze Simple HSA, Oscar Gold Classic HSA, and Oscar Silver Simple HSA.

Missouri -- Aetna CVS Bronze, Anthem Bronze Pathway X 20 for HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway X 0 for HSA Bronze, Anthem Silver Pathway X 2950 for HSA, Ambetter Essential Care 2, Medica Bronze HSA, Oscar Simple HSA, Oscar Gold Classic HSA, BCBS of Kansas City Blue KC Saver Bronze 6500, WellFirst Bronze HSA-E 6950X, and WellFirst Silver HSA-E 4500X.

New Jersey -- AmeriHealth IHC Silver EPO HSA Hospital Advantage $50/$75, AmeriHealth IHC Silver EPO HSA Local Value $50/$75, AmeriHealth IHC Bronze EPO HSA Hospital Advantage $50/$75, AmeriHealth IHC Bronze EPO HSA Local Value 50%/50%, AmeriHealth IHC Bronze EPO HSA Advantage $25/$50, and Horizon OMNIA Silver HSA.

North Carolina -- BCBS of NC Blue Local Bronze 7000, BCBS of NC Blue Home Bronze 7000, BCBS of NC Blue Value Bronze 7000, BCBS of NC Blue Advantage Bronze 7000, UHC Bronze Value+ HSA, Aetna CVS Bronze, Cigna Connect HSA 7000, Bright Health Bronze 5300 HSA, and Ambetter Essential Care 2.

Ohio -- CareSource Marketplace HSA Eligible Bronze, Medical Mutual Market HMO 7000 HSA, Medical Mutual Market HMO 4000 HSA, Oscar Bronze Simple -- HSA, Oscar Silver Simple -- HSA, Oscar Gold Classic -- HSA, Ambetter Essential Care 2 HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 6850 0 for HSA, Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 6000 20 for HSA, Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 6100 0 for HSA, Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 3200 10 for HSA, SummaCare Bronze 7000 HSA, and Paramount Bronze 1 HSA.

Oregon -- Kaiser KP OR Bronze 6900/0% HSA, Moda Health Beacon Bronze HSA 6900, PacificSource Navigator Bronze HSA 7000, Providence Health Plan HSA Qualified 7000 Bronze, Regence BCBS Alliance Bronze HDHP 6000 Legacy LHP, Regence BCBS OHSU Health Bronze HDHP 6000, and Regence BCBS Alliance Bronze HDHP 6000 Individual and Family Network.

Pennsylvania -- Highmark Together Blue EPO Silver 3450 HSA, Highmark my Direct Blue HMO Silver 3450 HSA, Highmark my Direct Blue EPO Silver 3450 HSA, Highmark my Direct Blue Access Silver 3450 HSA, Highmark my Direct Blue EPO Bronze 6900 HSA, Highmark Together Blue EPO Bronze 6900 HSA, Highmark my Blue Access EPO Bronze 6900 HSA, Geisinger Marketplace All-Access QHDHP Pro 6850, Ambetter Essential Care 2 HSA, Ambetter Balanced Care 25 HSA, Oscar Bronze HDHP, and Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice EPO Bronze Reserve.

South Carolina -- BCBS BlueEssentials HD Bronze 5, BCBS BlueEssentials Bronze 4, BCBS BlueEssentials Bronze 2, BCBS BlueEssentials HD Bronze 3, BCBS BlueEssentials HD Gold 3, BCBS BlueEssentials HD Silver 13, BCBS BlueEssentials HD Silver 6, BCBS BlueEssentials HD Gold 3, Ambetter Essential Care 2 HSA, and Ambetter Essential Care 25 HSA.

Texas -- Friday Bronze HSA, Oscar Bronze HDHP, Scott And White BSW Savers Bronze HMO HSA 006, Ambetter Essential Care 2, Ambetter Balanced Care 25, FirstCare Savers Bronze HMO HSA 006, First Care Prime Silver HMO 008, Community Essential Bronze 008 HSA, and CHRISTUS CHP TX Bronze HSA.

Utah -- SelectHealth Med Expanded Bronze 5900 HSA Qualified, SelectHealth Value Expanded Bronze 5900 HSA Qualified, SelectHealth Value Expanded Bronze 6900 HSA Qualified, SelectHealth Med Expanded Bronze 6900 HSA Qualified, University Of Utah Health Plans Healthy Preferred Bronze HSA, University Of Utah Health Plans Healthy Premier Bronze HSA, University Of Utah Health Plans Healthy Premier Expanded Bronze HSA, University Of Utah Health Plans Healthy Preferred Expanded Bronze HSA, and Regence BCBS Bronze HDHP 5700 EPO.

Virginia -- Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 5900 for HSA, Kaiser VA Bronze 6900/0%/HSA/Vision, CareFirst BlueChoice HMO HSA Silver 3000, CareFirst BluePreferred PPO HSA Silver 3000, OptimaFit Bronze 6250 20% HSA Direct M, and Oscar Bronze HDHP.

Wisconsin -- Common Ground Healthcare Co-Op Envision Aurora Bellin -- HSA Silver 3500/70, Common Ground Healthcare Co-Op Envision Aurora Bellin -- HSA Silver 3500/75, Dean Silver HSA-E 3500X, Dean Focus Network Bronze HSA-E 6650X, Dean Bronze HSA-E 6550X, Dean Focus Network Silver HSA-E 3500X, Group Health Co-Op Gold 2000 Ded/2000 MOOP HSA, Group Health Co-Op Bronze Simple Choice Plan HSA, Group Health Co-Op Select Bronze Simple Choice Plan HSA, Group Health Co-Op Bronze 6550 Ded/6550 MOOP HSA, Group Health Co-Op Select Bronze 6550 Ded/6550 MOOP HSA, Group Health Co-Op Select Gold 2000 Ded/2000 MOOP HSA, HealthPartners Atlas Individual $6600 HSA Bronze, HealthPartners Atlas Individual $3000 HSA Silver, Medica Bronze HSA Plus, Medica Bronze HSA, Unity Health Plan Pioneer One Bronze HSA $5,000, Unity Health Plan Gunderson Health System Silver HSA $3,000, Unity Health Plan Prime Bronze Standard HSA $6,000, Unity Health Plan Pioneer One Silver HSA $3000, Unity Health Plan Elite Gold HSA $1800, Unity Health Plan Beloit One Bronze HSA $1,000, Unity Health Plan Elite Silver HSA $3000, Unity Health Plan ProHealth Silver HSA $5050, Unity Health Plan Beloit One Silver HSA $3000, Pioneer One Gold HSA 1800, Unity Health Plan Elite Bronze Standard HSA $6000, Unity Health Plan Gunderson Bronze HSA $5000, and Unity Health Plan ProHealth Bronze HSA $5000.

 

Is It Right For You?
 

Best HSAs Through Exchanges

Manage Your Own Healthcare With An HSA

 

For many persons, the idea of having to face paying thousands of dollars in medical bills out of their own pocket may seem like a risky endeavor. However, if automatic contributions are made to the Health Savings Account through an employer’s payroll service, it becomes much easier to accumulate funds more rapidly. And you can accomplish the same type of saving when funding your own "side account." Electronic monthly withdraws simplify the process, with flexible deposit and investment options offered.
 
Perhaps, you will get to the point where you have maximized the amount of money that can be deposited. That would signify that your household is very healthy and has used very little of the available funds. In those types of situations, you may want to temporarily discontinue your extra deposits and perhaps place the money in a Roth IRA or increase your 401K funding. You can also purchase long-term healthcare coverage that counts as "qualified" spending.
 

The HDHP with a health savings account generally benefits healthy people more than those who continually experience high medical costs each year. The money saved on insurance premiums and deposited into your account transfers to you if it is not used for medical purposes. For those who  routinely have significant medical costs or a catastrophic medical loss throughout the year, the savings may be harder to realize. Obviously, if this occurs every year, a more comprehensive copay plan is a better solution for your situation.
 

It is important to make a detailed comparison between a traditional health care plan and a high deductible policy.  While there may be a net savings by moving to the HDHP-HSA combination, there may also be some trade-offs such as higher co-pays, or co-insurance requirements that wind up costing more. We show you the best available HSA plans for individuals so you can save the most money. Upon request, we also review your employer-sponsored options, and review which provided plans are the most cost-effective.