Which of these health plans is the better deal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello! Which of these employer-based plans do you think is best? Basically choosing between lower deductible vs lower out of pocket max + “free” office visits. More info -

Family of 4 with 2 young kids, no health issues. DH and I are in our early 40s. We have been on my husband’s plan for a few years and it’s been fine. I went back to work full time and we now have the option of my plan too. Trying to decide during open enrollment.

Both cost about the same - $800/month. This year DH and I met our deductibles but our kids didn’t and we didn’t meet the family deductible. Deductible and Out of Pocket listed is in-network since that’s all we use. The only years we met our out of pocket max were the years I had a baby. But of course you never know when a major health event could happen.

DH’s Plan - Health Partners (we are in MN)
- Deductible $1K single/$3K family
- Out of Pocket Max $4250 single/$8500 family
- Includes 6 “free” office or urgent care visits per person; after that it’s 25% coinsurance. I’m not sure how much $ the 6 free appointments saved us this year - sorry to be missing that data point.

My Plan - Blue Cross
- Deductible $500/$1K
- Out of Pocket Max $9K/$18K
- 20% coinsurance

Thanks for your thoughts!

How easy would it be for you to pay $18,000 in medical bills if you or your husband couldn’t work?

If difficult, your husband’s plan is probably the better plan.

But also talk to your doctors’ billing people and ask which they prefer. If your employer’s plan is a lot nicer to the doctors, maybe that could justify you taking on more medical bill risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your health insurance premiums through work are $800/month? That seems really high.

Have you been living under a rock?

Apparently, I have. I’m a fed so I have federal health benefits. My PPO is half that for my family of 4. It’s been awhile since I’ve had coverage in industry!