When most people learn that their family’s health insurance coverage is going to cost more, they shop for a more affordable policy. Often the solution is a combination of an insurance plan and a tax-sheltered Health Savings Account.
More than 1 million Americans have made a similar choice, signing up for high-deductible health insurance policies and associated HSAs since the program was introduced in late 2003 according to the Washington-based industry group, America’s Health Insurance Plans.
The new plans are a bit complex, but a growing number of insurers offer them.
Under federal law, the policy must have a minimum deductible of $1000 a year for an individual and $2000 for a family; maximum out of pocket expenses; for example, copayments required for surgical procedures, cannot exceed $5100 for individuals and $10,200 for families.
People Help With Their Own Health Insurance
Policyholders, meanwhile, can set up HSAs that they fund with their own money. Employers also can contribute to their workers’ HSAs. HSA contributions, generally set an amount equal to the policy’s deductible, can best be used to cover health...