What is the out-of-pocket maximum for high deductible health plans in 2023?

Asked by: Norris McLaughlin I  |  Last update: October 5, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)

Please note that the HDHP limits on out-of-pocket expenses and the maximum out-of-pocket limits under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) are NOT the same. The maximum out-of-pocket limits for 2023 are $9,100 for self-only coverage and $18,200 for other than self-only coverage.

What is a high deductible plan for 2023?

For 2023 coverage, the minimum deductibles for HDHPs increased to $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family. And the maximum allowable out-of-pocket caps increased to $7,500 for an individual and $15,000 for a family.

What is the ACA maximum out-of-pocket for 2024?

Under the new guidance, the ACA out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) limits for 2024 will be $9,450 for self-only coverage and $18,900 for family coverage (defined as anything other than self-only coverage). This is a roughly 3.8% increase from the 2023 limits of $9,100 and $18,200, respectively.

What is the deductible for HDHP in 2024?

The 2024 HDHP inflation adjusted amounts are as follows: The 2024 minimum deductible for individual coverage increases by $100 to $1,600. The 2024 minimum deductible for family coverage increases by $200 to $3,200. The 2024 maximum out-of-pocket limit for individual coverage increases by $550 to $8,050.

What is the ACA affordability factor for 2023?

In 2023, a job-based health plan is considered "affordable" if your share of the monthly premium in the lowest-cost plan offered by the employer is less than 9.12% of your household income. The lowest-cost plan must also meet the minimum value standard.

Health Plan Basics: Out-of-Pocket Maximum

37 related questions found

What is the ACA affordability requirements for 2023?

Understanding Affordability under the ACA:

For the 2023 reporting year (adjusted annually), a healthcare plan is considered affordable if the lowest-cost self-only coverage option available to employees does not exceed 9.12% of any one of the three safe harbors provided by the IRS.

How is ACA affordability 2023 calculator?

This safe harbor assesses the affordability percentage (9.12% for 2023) based on the rate of pay for hourly full-time employees (0.0912 x hourly rate of pay as of the first day of coverage x 130 hours) and salaried full-time employees (0.0912 x monthly salary).

What are the disadvantages of high deductible health plan?

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans

Individuals who are stretched thin for funds may delay or avoid seeking medical treatment due to the high cost of treatment. For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible.

What is the downside to having a high deductible?

The cons of high-deductible health plans

Yes, HDHPs keep your monthly payments low. But there are some downsides you should consider, including: Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs.

What is the deductible limit for a high deductible plan?

Meanwhile, for 2024, a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) must have a deductible of at least $1,600 for self-only coverage, up from $1,500 in 2023, or $3,200 for family coverage, up from $3,000, the IRS noted.

What is the upside and downside of a high deductible?

Key Takeaways. High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are affordable health insurance plans with relatively low monthly premiums. On the downside, these plans have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This means more healthcare expenses are paid by the individual and not the insurer.

Why would you choose a high-deductible health 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.

Why are high deductible health plans popular?

Traditional PPOs and HMOs are expensive for employers as well as employees. The Institute of Medicine estimates that 30 percent of health spending is waste. HDHPs are designed to reduce unnecessary healthcare spending and encourage consumers to take an active role in managing their own healthcare costs.

What are two benefits of a high-deductible health plan?

How High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts can reduce your costs
  • If you enroll in an HDHP, you may pay a lower monthly premium but have a higher. ...
  • If you combine your HDHP with an HSA, you can pay that deductible, plus other qualified medical expenses, using money you set aside in your tax-free HSA.

Is it better to have a high or low deductible health plan?

Low deductibles are best when an illness or injury requires extensive medical care. High-deductible plans offer more manageable premiums and access to HSAs.

Is a high deductible plan better than a copay plan?

A high deductible plan may seem cheaper at first, but it can expose you to higher financial risk if you have a major health issue or an unexpected emergency. A low copay plan may seem more expensive at first, but it can protect you from high medical bills and help you manage your cash flow better.

What is the 2023 affordability penalty?

For the 2023 tax year, the 4980H(b) penalty is $360 a month, or $4,320 per year, per employee. Unlike 4980H(a), the IRS issues a 4980H(b) on a per-violation basis. In other words, the penalty is assessed for every employee that obtains insufficient coverage.

Will ACA subsidies continue in 2023?

But that ended as of 2021, thanks to the American Rescue Plan's provision that eliminates the “subsidy cliff.” And although that provision was schedule to expire at the end of 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extends it through 2025. So the subsidy cliff has been eliminated for the time being.

What is the poverty level for ACA 400 2023?

The federal poverty level is $13,590 for an individual ($27,750 for a family of 4) for 2023 coverage. The federal poverty level is $12,880 for an individual ($26,500 for a family of 4) for 2022 coverage. The maximum amount to get tax credits is 400% of the poverty level.

What percentage of Americans have high deductible plans?

The report says that more than 55% of Americans were enrolled in HDHPs in 2021, a new record. The rate rose from 30.3% in 2013 (the lowest enrollment in the 10 years studied) to 55.7% in 2021, an 83.7% increase.

Are high deductible plans becoming more common?

More than half of all American workers were in high deductible health plans (55.7 percent). This is the eighth year in a row that enrollment has increased. It is also the highest enrollment rate since 2012. In 2012, 34.3 percent of employees were in high deductible health plans.

When did high deductible health plans become popular?

High-deductible health plans are a form of catastrophic coverage, intended to cover for catastrophic illnesses. Adoption rates of HDHPs have been growing since their inception in 2004, not only with increasing employer options, but also increasing government options.

How do I maximize my high-deductible health plan?

How to save money with a high-deductible health plan
  1. Get the right level of care. ...
  2. Shop around for health care services. ...
  3. Use in-network providers. ...
  4. Save on medication costs. ...
  5. Ask questions to reduce health care costs. ...
  6. Negotiate prices. ...
  7. Take advantage of wellness incentives. ...
  8. Set up an HSA or FSA.

Do copays count toward the deductible?

You pay a copay at the time of service. Copays do not count toward your deductible. This means that once you reach your deductible, you will still have copays. Your copays end only when you have reached your out-of-pocket maximum.

What is a good deductible?

A good deductible for auto insurance is an amount you can afford after an accident or unexpected event, although most drivers pick an average deductible of $500. Other common auto insurance deductibles are $250 and $1,000, but drivers should take several factors into account before deciding which one is right for them.