High-deductible  Health Plans

High-deductible  health plans that can be used with health savings accounts are now being  offered by many insurers. As of 2007, individuals contributing to a health  savings account must be covered by a health plan with an annual deductible of  not less than $1,100 for self-only coverage and $2,200 for family coverage. The  deductible generally applies to all expenses, including prescriptions and  doctor office visits, but in some cases, preventive care does not count toward  meeting the deductible. However, most plans will cover preventive services,  such as routine office visits, before you have met your deductible. 



After  the deductible has been met, some plans will have a coinsurance of 10 to 15  percent of expenses but only up to the out-of-pocket limit in the plan. After  you meet the out-of-pocket limit, the plan will pay 100 percent of expenses.  Other plans will pay 100 percent after the deductible has been met. Some  insurers have negotiated discounted prices with participating physicians and  hospitals, resulting in substantial savings to consumers who purchase  high-deductible health plans. If you are considering this type of coverage, be  sure to inquire about discounted prices.