Are high deductible plans becoming more common?
Asked by: Agnes Abshire | Last update: May 12, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (2 votes)
Why are deductibles increasing?
The shift to higher deductibles comes as home insurance costs have been spiking. The average annual home insurance rate increased more than 20% from 2021 to 2023, according to Insurify, an online marketplace. The average insurance premium is expected to rise another 6% this year to about $2,500.
What percentage of Americans have high deductible plans?
Less than 42% of people younger than 65 had a private health plan with a high deductible in 2023, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday.
What is the trend in HDHP enrollment?
“Generally, white non-Hispanic people were the most likely to be enrolled in an HDHP. Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic people were the least likely to be enrolled in an HDHP. Enrollment in an HDHP increased with family income and family educational attainment.”
What percentage of employers offer HDHP?
PERCENTAGE OF FIRMS OFFERING HDHP/HRAS AND HSA-QUALIFIED HDHPS. Twenty-five percent of firms offering health benefits offer an HDHP/HRA, an HSA-qualified HDHP, or both. Among firms offering health benefits, 4% offer an HDHP/HRA and 22% offer an HSA-qualified HDHP [Figure 8.1].
Revisiting Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Max out of Pocket...And COPAYS
What are the disadvantages of HDHP?
Another possible downside to HDHPs is that you may put off doctor visits. If your budget is tight, paying the initial out-of-pocket costs can be difficult. A 2024 survey found that about 1 in 4 U.S. adults said they skipped or postponed getting needed care because of the cost.
What is the average premium for a high-deductible health plan?
On average, if you are a covered employee with a high-deductible health plan in the United States, you may pay $8,217 annually and $22,404 for a family. HDHPs have lower monthly premiums and are a good fit for those who anticipate needing preventive care only.
When did high deductible health plans become popular?
Adoption rates of HDHPs have been growing since their inception in 2004, not only with increasing employer options, but also increasing government options. As of 2016, HDHPs represented 29% of the total covered workers in the United States; however, the impact of such benefit design is not widely understood.
Why do employers prefer high-deductible health plan?
Employers save money on health insurance premiums and reduce their financial burden by opting for an HDHP. But as with individual consumers, these plans will provide the best value for your staff if they're generally in good health with no history of major illness.
Why would you choose PPO over HDHP?
HDHPs can be a good form of insurance for the young and healthy — especially if your employer offers you HSA contributions. But for anyone with significant medical expenses, an upcoming surgery, or a serious health condition, a PPO could be a better fit because of the lower deductible.
Why would someone choose a high deductible plan?
High-deductible health plans usually carry lower premiums but require more out-of-pocket spending before insurance starts paying for care. Meanwhile, health insurance plans with lower deductibles offer more predictable costs and often more generous coverage, but they usually come with higher premiums.
Is a $3,000 deductible high?
The IRS defines high-deductible health plans for 2023 as: Individual plans with deductibles of at least $1,500. Family plans with deductibles of at least $3,000.
Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?
Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.
What is the disadvantage of having a higher deductible?
You may not have the financial ability to pay for a larger loss out of your pocket. Sometimes claims take a while to settle, so you may be forced to fund more than just the deductible on a temporary basis if your claim requires immediate repairs.
What is the average deductible for a PPO?
The average deductible for single coverage is $1,204 for preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, virtually unchanged from $1,206 in 2019 but up sharply from $675 in 2010. For high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), the average single-coverage deductible is $2,303.
Who should avoid a high deductible health plan?
While these types of plans can be beneficial to those who are relatively healthy, they can be very expensive for those who have chronic conditions or who experience a medical crisis. It's important to carefully consider your expected medical expenses before choosing to participate in a high deductible health care plan.
Is $5000 a high deductible health plan?
For families, the deductible has to be at least $2,700, with a $13,500 max out-of-pocket. Many high deductible plans actually have a much higher deductible ($5,000-$7,000).
What is the upside to having a high deductible?
This means you'll pay less each month for insurance and more out-of-pocket when you receive care. The upside? Preventive care is still covered at 100 percent on these plans. Once you hit your deductible, your health plan will start to cover the cost of your other care.
Why do companies push high deductible health plans?
Although a high deductible may sound like a bad thing, in some cases, it makes financial sense. By opting for a higher deductible, employees can secure lower monthly premiums. This makes coverage more affordable, and it can be particularly appealing to young workers who do not expect to have major health issues.
What is the average cost of a high-deductible health plan?
On average, single Americans with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) have an annual premium of $7,170, while those with a more traditional type of health plan (like an HMO or PPO) have an average premium of $8,162. For families, the premium comparison is $21,079 with an HDHP versus $23,003 without.
Is it better to have HDHP or PPO?
Preferred provider organization (PPOs) plans offer lower deductibles but higher monthly premiums. Choosing the right healthcare plan depends on several factors, such as your health, finances, and number of dependents. In general, HDHPs are better suited for people who are young, single, healthy, or wealthy.
What percent of people have HSAs?
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Unfortunately, right now, according to IRS data, only about one in ten Americans has an HSA, or about 33 million people.
How does the IRS know if you have a high-deductible health plan?
How does the IRS know you have a high deductible health plan? Because your employer reports to the IRS and then gives you proof of insurance attached to your W-2. It used to be a provision of the Obamacare law that you paid a penalty for not having insurance so companies now give you proof of insurance.