High deductible health plans are PPO health plans with higher out-of-pocket costs, so they offer comprehensive benefits at a lower monthly premium cost. Due to the added member cost responsibility, however, they work best when paired with a financial arrangement.

HSA-compatible high deductible health plans are unique because they must follow some federal guidelines, such as:

• Covered expenses (except preventive services) are subject to deductible and coinsurance, including prescription drugs.
• Most preventive services, like wellness exams and immunizations, are paid at 100 percent after a copay.
• One deductible and out-of-pocket maximum apply to family coverage, so the entire family deductible must be met before any benefits are paid.
• New deductibles are applied at the beginning of each calendar year (carryovers from previous years do not apply).
• And, in accordance with federal law, these plans comply with minimum annual deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket expenses.